In the month of February, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge black excellence. While we no longer live in times of slavery and segregation, African Americans can vote, and we even have a black president in office, many people wonder if Black History Month is still needed. Why is it still important so many years later? Black History Month is a month to bring awareness to social justice, continue to educate ourselves and others, and it is also a time to reflect.
1. Social Justice
Black History Month can be used to bring awareness to various social justice issues within black communities. While Jim Crow laws no longer exists, racism and prejudice are still very much alive in this country, and many African Americans still struggle in the fight for justice and freedom. In recent years, our country has faced issues with police brutality and racial profiling. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter have come about to fight for change and are and will continue to be a major component of black history.
2. Education
Black History Month is also a time to educate others on African American culture. Often, African American history and culture are not always incorporated in school curriculum’s and American pop culture. In other cases, we tend to only highlight the accomplishments of just a few African Americans such as Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr. While their contributions are important, they are not the only ones who helped fight for freedom and equality. It’s important to learn about other African Americans as well and realize that they have played an important role in our nation’s history and foundation.
3. Reflection
This is also a time to reflect and to be appreciative of how far we have come. By acknowledging and appreciating the past, we can be grateful for the present and make way for the future. By learning from the ones that have come before us we can lead and teach future generations, of not just African Americans but people of all backgrounds. Reflection makes us realize just how necessary Black History Month truly is.