Why it’s important to observe Black History Month

By Regina Edmondson | Published February 2, 2015

In the United States, the month of February is observed as Black History Month or National African American History Month, and we use the month to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. The celebration can be felt nationally and worldwide as many organizations, cities, states and countries host events that educate on the rich culture, and memorable figures of African American history. As a new month of remembrance begins, let’s consider the important reasons why Black History Month is observed each year.

Celebrate with knowledge

Carter G. Woodson was the sole individual responsible for creating Negro History Week in Washington, D.C., in February 1926. To Woodson, the black experience was too important simply to be left to a small group of academics, and believed that his role was to use black history and culture as a weapon in the struggle for racial uplift. His goal was to ensure that school children be exposed to black history. Woodson chose the second week of February in order to celebrate the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass

The development of Black History Week to a full month was proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969, and they held their inaugural celebration one year later, in February 1970. Quickly following that event, schools followed suit, playing host to lectures and more, all of which is still seen today.

In 1976, the bicentennial of the United States, President Gerald R. Ford expanded African American week into a full month. He said the country needed to the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

This holds true today when all too often only the most negative aspects of African American communities get highlighted. And we are subjected daily to unfair stereotypes and assumptions from a culture that is still learning to accept us.

Black History Month is an integral part of our nation’s tradition in which we continue to promote positive examples of poignant historical events, exemplary leaders and steps towards societal change. This remembrance is not only deeply meaningful for the African American community, but imperative for the greater understanding of national and world history.

Engage the community

By reliving and remembering history, we create awareness of the struggles and challenges that African Americans overcame in this country. This proven perseverance will serve as inspiration for America. February has become a time designated for reflection, open dialogue, interdisciplinary education, and shared advocacy initiatives. Every race is connected to the rich history of this nation, and by celebrating Black History Month everyone can be included in a tradition of acknowledgement, inclusion and community engagement.

Inform the youth and reflect on the past

Although we have an African American president, many young people are not aware of the sacrifices and struggles that those before them have made to be where we are today. We can’t take this accomplishment as an end point, however. We should use this opportunity to reach even greater heights. It’s easy to take the rights we have for granted if we don’t remember the determination that earlier generations showed, all of us have the potential to forget them. As the world continues to diversify with groups of many different origins, cultures and creeds, it is as important as ever to celebrate the histories that make up the collective account of our nation. It is important that we reflect and celebrate the monumental contributions and use them as a platform for future growth.