Lila Clapp, Freshman
American history doesn’t only set the spotlight on white figures. American history has plenty of historical figures of a different race who stood up for what they believed in and changed the world. During Black History Month, citizens of the United States who are black are celebrated for their efforts in civil rights movements and changing the world around them.
There are many ways one can celebrate this historic month. Supporting black-owned businesses and restaurants in their local area is a great starting point. If you aren’t sure about how many are near you, this helpful website can give you a layout of what businesses are in your area.
There are also plenty of documentaries centered around black heroes and heroines. Some that have received stunning reviews include: Dark Girls, 13th, I Am Not Your Negro, and John Lewis: Good Trouble.
Each day of the month, you can learn about a new civil rights leader. We’re all familiar with Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but there are plenty of unsung heroes within the civil rights movement who fought for change. A quick Google Search will provide you with a plethora of information.
Believe it or not, before 1926, Black History Month was only one week. In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, commonly nicknamed “The Father of Black History,” set out to designate a time to the intriguing history of the black community. He was a respected historian who loved studying black history. When his proposal of a celebration was set in place in 1926, there was a raging battle between critics. One half arguing the celebration became a month-long celebration, the other half arguing that it stayed a week-long celebration. By the late 1960s, the “Negro History” week had evolved into Black History Month.
Why exactly was February chosen to be the month this celebration was held? According to NPR News, both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays occur simultaneously in this month. President Lincoln emancipated the slaves, whereas Douglass was a former slave and honored leader in the abolitionist movement. Both prominent figures were born in the second week of February.
This celebration was created to honor all the contributions African Americans have made to United States history. It honors everyone, from the slaves brought over to America in the 1700s to the magnificent leaders and common folk living in the United States today. Some of the most notable figures represented in this month include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mae Jemison and Harriet Tubman.
Dr. King is famous for his efforts of protesting against racial inequality in the 1960s. His most famous work includes his “I Have a Dream” speech: a speech that told the narrative of young black and white children living together in a world of peace and understanding.
Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman to be launched into space. She served two years at the Peace Corps in West Africa and was sent to space in 1992.
Given the birth name Araminta, young Minty had to change her name to Harriet Tubman after she helped thousands of slaves escape slavery in the south by conducting the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s most dangerous mission was helping Colonel James Montgomery plan a raid to free enslaved African-Americans from plantations in Combahee, South Carolina. Her raid was a success, and she continues to inspire many people in both black and white communities decades beyond her time.
Black History is a truly remarkable topic of discussion. It spreads awareness about the influential black heroes that not all of us have heard about. It provides the opportunity for the black community to reimagine possibilities and brighten the future ahead of us all. People nationwide have been inspired by this event and have organized local history clubs and started celebrations. Even though only a month was designated to this event, people should continue to honor black history year around.
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” ~ Ida B. Wells, American investigative journalist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement
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