Since it was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976, Black History Month, which takes place every February, is designed to be a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and culture of African Americans.
“Carter G. Woodson, a Black historian, started Negro History Week in 1926 to promote the study of African and African American histories in the United States at the height of Jim Crow segregation and violence against Black people,”social studies teacher Sarah Wiseman said. “He picked the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Eventually, the celebration expanded to Black History Month in 1969 at the height of the Black Power movement. President Gerald Ford recognized it in 1976, and it has been celebrated ever since.”
Black History Month gives junior Kyron France the opportunity to appreciate his culture.
“It provides me with much pride in myself and my race,” France said. “It also is just so amazing to see all the contributions and culture behind my people which helps me represent my true and authentic self. I usually celebrate Black History Month by doing research and posting more awareness about Black people’s contributions as well as supporting Black business all month.”
For senior Tamia Temple, Black History Month is a time to celebrate her heritage.
“Black History Month is important to me because it focuses on appreciation for my heritage,” Temple said. “I celebrate by making family recipes from my culture. Sometimes we have a feast with my extended family. I also like to take some time to focus on myself and my identity as a Black girl.”
Although sophomore Mya Salley doesn’t do anything specific to celebrate, the month is still a meaningful time for her.
“Black History Month means a lot to me because [it allows me to] connect with my culture all the time at home,” Salley said. “When I do my hair, when I speak with my family, and when I eat. Me and my family don’t really go all out for it, but we talk and discuss what it means to us as a family.”
Senior Anagha Konuru believes that it’s valuable to have months such as Black History Month, AAPI Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more, that celebrate the contributions and culture of different ethnic groups in the United States.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge ethnic groups and their contributions,” Konuru said. “The fact that America is not made up of one group, but is itself a diverse group of people.”
