93 Years Ago, Black History Month was established. Even though America no longer has slavery and Jim Crow was demolished, you may question, “Why is Black History Month still important almost 100 years later?”
Black History Month is Celebrating Americans
The African American race is included in the human race. Let us be reminded that the successes of African Americans are the successes of Americans. Our race has left a massive impact on American history and it is important for all races to honor that impact. The success of African Americans is a success for all Americans. Everyone, from all backgrounds should be educated about the successes of African Americans just as much as European history. African American history is not just slavery and Jim Crow. The history is filled with enlightening intellectual movements and culture that empowers people from all across the spectrum.
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Creates Awareness for All Americans
Some people may believe since slavery and Jim Crow were demolished that African Americans live in a post-racial society. Just because there are no discriminatory laws against African Americans, that does not mean that African Americans do not face injustice. In fact, these laws still have a massive affect on African Americans today. Every racist comment or action is connected to the underlying history of our society. In the American jail system, police force, and racism. Even though America has progressed over the years, it is important to be aware that most of these unjust laws were created sixty years ago. This month we are reminded of the injustice that our society created and how African Americans rised above over 200 years of discrimination.
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We Learn About Black Intellectuals
In school we learn about Our Founding Fathers, Presidents, and European American heroes who invented impactful structures in our society. Our society needs to educate younger generations on the empowering aspect of African American history. It is important to know about slavery, however, we need to focus on those who started the movement and left an impact on America in a positive way. It is crucial that American society knows black historians other than Martin Luther King Jr. Yes, King had a huge impact on the Civil Rights Movement, but there are many other African Americans who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement before King and after he was gone. Intellects such as Frederick Douglass before Martin Luther King Jr, Ralph Albernathy who worked right beside King, John Lewis, and Elaine Brown. African Americans take the time during the month to honor all who have fought for their rights. All Americans need to come together during this month to recognize these American heros for teaching us what being American truly means. Working hard to fight those who can not fight for themselves, to stand up against injustice, and to fight against all odds.
Photo Courtesy of Picturequotes Black History Month was not made to debunk other races or to make others feel like blacks are the superior race. In reality, African Americans have gone through many harsh trials in American history. Throughout 200 years, the race lost a sense of who they truly are. We were whipped, beaten, and killed until the culture and the language we once spoke was ripped out of us. Black History Month gives us the chance to gain it back. To embrace ourselves for intellectual people that we are, because society continues to tell us otherwise. Let us come together, no matter the background, to honor a race that has immensely contributed to America.