“When I was going to school, I began to be bugged by the teaching of American history because it seemed that that history had been taught without cognizance of my presence.” James Baldwin said when discussing his education life in 1964.
Although February is the shortest month of the year, it means many different things to different people. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History), announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. This created a foundation for the present day Black History Month. Woodson and ASALH chose the second week of February because of Fredrick Douglas’ birthday on February 14th and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th.
During the mid-60’s, the history textbooks only mentioned two black people in the entire century leading up from the civil war. It was in that time frame that colleges and universities soon decided to turn the week into a whole month. Black History Month became a national observance in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.
Although Black History Month is a national observance in the United States, it remains to be neglected in everyday society.
“During my time in school, elementary through high school,” Peyton Jones said. “I remember we used to have a few small programs during the month, but it died down as I got further and further in school.”
“I love my blackness and I love my people,” Jones said. “Growing up, I attended predominately white schools, and when we would learn about issues such as slavery and pieces of black history, I would sit in class as the only black student in the room and tried to shy away from the conversation and let the other students talk about MY history. It was only after I transferred to a different high school, that consisted of kids who looked like me until I was comfortable engaging in the conversation about black history. I am forever grateful for that move. It made me proud of my skin, my people, and my history.”
“I do believe that Black History should be celebrated heavier in schools because the next generation should be able to truly understand what our elders fought for and why we still continue to fight for today,” Freshman Zaria Singleton said.
Even though the traditional school system seems to shy away from important people and events in black history, many students prefer to research and celebrate on their own.
“I like to educate myself on black history every day and remember individuals that have given me the platform to do so. However, I use this month to help educate others that may not be well-versed in African American history,” Dasia Smith said. “My favorite person celebrated during Black History Month is Malcolm X. He saw the vision of change and was prepared to give a push back to achieve equality for African Americans.”
Black History Month is used to embrace the black culture, art, music and events. Many events, programs and festivals happen during the month of February to highlight these different aspects across the United States. “At the University of North Texas, I like the way BHM is being celebrated. Thereʼs an abundance of events hosted to highlight African American history,” Smith said. “I think it would be refreshing to open the eyes of black students and show them theyʼre recognized and appreciated.”
As you can see Black History is more than just a month to lots of people. People use this month to celebrate the ancestors that paved the way for them in modern day but it does not stop there. Black History should be celebrated 365 days a year because Black History is American history. February is more than just another month; it makes us aware of OUR history and why we should protect and never abandon our knowledge of the past.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” ~ Malcolm X