Black History Month
2 min read
By: Olivia Carney
Black History Month is the annual commemoration of achievements, sacrifices, and the equality movement by African Americans, as well as recognizing their part in US history. Black History Month is also known as American History Month, which was originally known as Negro History Week. It started out as a week of looking back on important people and events in history. Then turned into a month of awareness. Ever since 1976, every U.S president has designated the month of February to this cause.
Originally it was only celebrated in the United States, however it has received official recognition from other counties. Now it is honored in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. However Black History Month should be shared all around the world not just these countries. It has been long argued that it should be taught and celebrated year-round. Not just for one month. When interviewed
Originally it was only celebrated in the United States, however it has received official recognition from other counties. Now it is honored in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. However Black History Month should be shared all around the world not just these countries. It has been long argued that it should be taught and celebrated year-round. Not just for one month. When interviewed
Carter G. Woodson (a historian and president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) started the movement of Black History Month. In 1926 he set out to educate the world about Black History and culture. Woodson’s plan was to have a weeklong celebration that taught the public Black History. He strived to broaden the nation’s horizons. Fifty years later, President Gerald R. Ford recognized Black History Month, and it became official. In his words, he called Americans to, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
When interviewed on “Why do you think Black History Month is important?”, Noah Wysocki (ADT) said, “I think black history month is very important because of how much history was erased during and after slavery and I think it’s important to recognize the hardships that black Americans went through.” Another ADT student, Clay Lorigan expressed, “So, we can learn their history an recognize all the achievements made because they get overlooked.”
Overall Black History Month is very crucial to US history and the culture that it brings.
