Black history month since its creation, has become a celebration of black culture and a month to highlight black excellence. Black History Month began when Dr. Carter G Woodson started to recognize and celebarate the great works and achievements of African American individuals by creating a Negro History Week. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially made February Black History Month throughout the nation. 50 years later, millions of African Americans celebrate with family and friends during this month. It is very important to them because it brings them closer in ways that others might not understand. “For me I celebrate all the time, I’m Liberian so a lot of times we have a lot of social gatherings or small get togethers to just have fun and to blast loud music,” freshman Ruth Warlo said.
Some students do not actively celebrate Black History Month, but they started to admire the meaning of their history. “My family doesn’t really celebrate, but we talk about the stories that truly helped shape America, like Emmet Till,” junior Abrielle Blackwell said.
With black history, influence comes a long way. Names like Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Ruby Bridges lead the way for Black and African Americans. “Ruby Bridges made such a big impact at such a young age. Her bravery made many people of color know that you can have confidence and be a leader,” junior Sydney Sales said.
Sophomore Alexianna Torrence reflected on the importance of black figures who have shown resilience such as Harriet Tubman. “She freed us and gave us a better opportunity in the world. Without her, many slaves at the time wouldn’t have the courage to fight for what they believe in,” Torrence said.
For many Black and African Americans, they get their motivation from a figure in their own home. “Knowing how my dad grew up and seeing how he has changed his life from growing up in a ghetto neighborhood in Gary, Indiana taught me that us black [people] do not have to follow in the stereotypes that people say about us” Jaden Porter, a sophomore, said.
Black History Month gained new recognition in light of the “Black Lives Matter” protests. In May of 2020, a black man named George Floyd was killed by “a knee pressed into his neck for more than 9 minutes,” after being arrested on accusation of paying for a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit twenty dollar bill, according to Britannica. This sparked outrage among Americans all over the country after a witness, Darnella Frazier, recorded the brutality and posted it on social media. The issue made citizens see society through a different lens. “The death of George Floyd made me see a whole different perspective on what is going on in the world right now especially towards black people,” Sophomore Marrion Kollie said. Some would say the movement in itself was very impactful, reshaping how people viewed black culture at home, work, or even at school. Students still recall the BLM protests, “even though it was only six years ago,” it has been ingrained in history, Justice Zeon said. The views of protestors spread unity throughout the country, especially in the younger generations. Kollie and Zeon were both ten years old at the time. “[Nobody should] be treated differently just because of their skin color,” Zeon said. With the 2020 BLM protests still in the public consciousness, Black History month stands even stronger as a part of American culture. It has become undeniable that black culture takes many forms that builds upon itself, giving meaning to what being “black” means.
