Black History Month: How it Began And How It Impacts Us

Black History Month is celebrated every year in February in the honor of African American history. This month-long celebration in the US and Canada is an opportunity to recognise famous african americans and their accomplishments. It serves as a fresh reminder to assess the areas where systematic racism still exists, and raise awareness of the people and groups driving change.

To draw attention to the contributions made by black history people for the United States, Black History Month was established. It pays tribute to all Black people throughout American history. It includes the first slaves imported to the country from Africa in the early 17th century through contemporary African Americans.

Some notable famous African American individuals highlighted during the Black History Month are Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, Mae Jemison, Barack Obama and many others.

How Black History Month Came Into Being?

Historian Carter G. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life in 1915. The association was founded to raise awareness about black history facts and people. They assigned second week of February as “Negro History Week” in 1926 to celebrate the legacy of African Americans. Before this only few people were educated about famous african americans’ history, and it wasn’t covered in textbooks.

Woodson selected the second week of February because it coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln and Douglass fought to abolish Black slavery.

Importance Of Black History Month

African American history

Black History Month began as an attempt to educate school children and young people about the accomplishments of Black and famous african americans people. Such tales were a neglected aspect of the national story that had mostly been lost.

It is now recognised as a celebration of those whose activity and accomplishments have had a positive impact on not only the nation but the entire world. People in the US have the chance to connect with African American history and go beyond discussions of racism and slavery. They recognise the Black leaders and their successes during the month-long spotlight in February.

In schools we read about World History, U.S. History, and European History. However, our history textbooks only focus on certain figures and leave out many important black people in history. We are not familiar with the contributions and achievements of Black people in the field of science, mathematics, humanities and politics.

That is why celebrations like Black History Month give us an opportunity to learn about the impacts of black people.

Relevance Of African American history In Modern Times

african american people

The month-long commemoration of Black History Month presents a chance for Black millennials to rethink the opportunities that lay ahead. But for many, the motivations behind Woodson’s actions nearly a century ago are still as strong as ever. Black History Month teaches us to celebrate diversity and its beauty.

It helps us to learn about people from African American history and backgrounds, and to understand the connection between us. And finding this connection unites us. These celebrations bring joy when we see people from different walks of life or different parts of the family put aside their differences to celebrate.

Conclusion

Black History Month celebrates countless men and women who impacted our world. The celebration shares their story of success and sacrifice. Their stories tell us that we can change the world for the better. The spirit of African American history celebration should be followed all year around.

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