“If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
Carter Goodwin Woodson, Father of Black History
February is also known as Black History Month. It is a one-month long observance in the United States and Canada to honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the black community as well as a fresh reminder of the increased awareness of the systemic racism that is prevalent today and calls for lasting change.
The Origin of Black History Month
Black History Month was created as “Negro History Week” by historian, journalist, and author Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The activist was of the opinion that black history should be taught in public schools in order to help spread awareness of the sacrifice and contributions of black people and to broaden the country’s consciousness.
The month of February was particularly chosen because it commemorated the birthdays of African-American abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former president Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were instrumental in bringing the end of slavery in the US.
The concept was quickly accepted and by the 1960s, the Negro History Week evolved into the Black History Month. One of the major reasons for that is that protests against systemic racial injustice and inequality were rising in many parts of the country, which were vital to the change.
The Importance of Black History Month
Black History Month was initially a way of teaching American youth about the achievements of the black community in society. Such narratives largely remained neglected and a lot of history consisting of the crucial roles that African-Americans played to shape the nation was lost.
Today, the month is a celebration of blacks who not just revolutionized the country but all parts of the world with their activism. In these times, when racial hatred is more rampant than ever, it is important to encourage people to educate themselves on black histories and stories, which go way beyond talks of slavery and racism, and shine a spotlight on black activists and leaders.
Black History Month is more relevant than ever today as it can help us remove barriers, forge connections with each other, and make us realize the color of one’s skin does not dictate superiority over another race.
Every time a black person is denied a job because of their natural hair to every time a black person is murdered by a white police officer, have made us realize that there is still a lot to be done to breach the gap of racial inequality and injustice. Black History Month is an opportunity to have open dialogues about race and get to know each other at a deeper level than just skin.
The contributions of black people have made this country prosper, but they were achieved through blood, sweat and tears. Considering the current racial climate of the country, this is an opportunity to learn and strive to make lasting change.
After all, Black history is American history.
Buy the book African American Inventor Package by Philip Franklin to learn about the unsung black inventors in history.