As a white American, I was never taught about the meaning behind Black History Month or how it’s celebrated, so I decided to educate myself on it and write an article about what I learned.
Every year, Black History Month has a different theme, and this year for 2023 it is “Black Resistance.” Someone explained it by saying “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings, since the nation’s earliest days.”
Many people do not recognize the significant and central role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States. The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada are among some of the other countries to join in the celebration on how African Americans play a part in their country’s history as well. In the United States, people celebrate by visiting museum exhibits, hosting parties, and large-scale gatherings to educate a variety of people on the importance of African American culture in our country every day.
It started out as “Negro History Week” and is now “Black History Month.” Who’s to say we shouldn’t celebrate Black History every day of the year? Educate yourself and join in the celebration!