Black History Month, celebrated annually in February, serves as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry woven by Black Americans throughout history. But what if I told you that Black history isn’t confined to a single month or a handful of iconic figures? Here are 4 facts to remember:
Originally, Black History Month was only observed for one week.
Black History Month originally started as a one-week celebration known as Negro History Week, established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard and the son of former slaves. Woodson aimed to expand public interest beyond the February birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (12th) and Frederick Douglass (14th) to encompass the broader culture of African Americans.
The initiative gained significant traction during the 1960s, with the Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University in Northeast Ohio being among the first to celebrate Black History Month in 1970. Despite this, federal recognition only occurred during the bicentennial in 1976 when President Ford acknowledged the extended monthly celebration. It took another decade for Congress to officially pass the law designating “National Black History Month” in 1986, with President Reagan signing a proclamation to authorize it.
Black History Month is not limited to the United States
Black History Month extends beyond the United States, with Canada and Germany also celebrating it in February. However, in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, their respective Black History Month celebrations take place in October. In Brazil, Black Consciousness Day is observed on November 20.
While these international celebrations initially centered on African Americans from the U.S., they have evolved to highlight and honor the contributions and history of their own members within the broader African diaspora. This shift reflects a recognition of the diverse and interconnected experiences of people of African descent around the world.
The Civil Rights Movement is not the beginning or the conclusion of Black history
Black history should not be confined to the narratives of slavery or the Civil Rights Movement. While these topics are often associated with the beginning and end of Black History Month, Carter Woodson, a proponent of studying Black history, envisioned a broader perspective that extends beyond the relationship with the U.S. His goal was to connect students with the rich history of significant African civilizations, emphasizing their numerous achievements that have contributed to world history.
In the 2017 PBS documentary “Africa’s Great Civilizations,” Henry Louis Gates Jr. highlights the accomplishments of African civilizations, showcasing their role as the birthplace of art, music, iron technology, agriculture, systems of laws, and one of the earliest written languages. Each of these achievements has played a crucial role in shaping the foundation of our current society.
It is essential not only to explore history before the era of slavery but also to understand the present beyond the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. By delving deeper into history and moving beyond the popularized successes and key figures of that era, students can gain a more profound understanding of contemporary issues such as #BlackLivesMatter and other ongoing struggles, including those related to police brutality and environmental racism.
Black history is more than just “did you know” facts about well-known figures or Civil Rights activists
While Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ranked second only to Mother Teresa on Gallup’s 1999 survey of the most admired individuals of the 20th century, many only see him through the lens of cultural popularity. However, at the time of his assassination in 1968, he faced significant public disapproval, reaching almost 75%, and was even blamed by some for his own death. King’s legacy goes beyond his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, encompassing issues such as housing segregation in the north, opposition to the Vietnam War, and the Poor People’s Campaign.
The challenge of misinformation in Black history is not new. From the early days of Negro History Week, efforts were made to counter myths surrounding the “Lost Cause” of the South and the portrayal of enslaved Africans as happy and well-treated before the Civil War. Carter Woodson, who established what would later become ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life & History), aimed to combat lies and misinformation.
Despite these efforts, recent trends show that misinformation persists. Since 2021, 36 states have introduced bills or taken steps to restrict the teaching of critical race theory and limit discussions on racism and sexism in classrooms. This highlights an ongoing need to move beyond surface-level knowledge, including famous firsts, and work towards a more authentic understanding of Black history in the United States.
Conclusion
Black History Month is more than just a month on the calendar; it’s a journey through time, a celebration of triumphs, and a call to action for a more equitable future. By understanding its roots, celebrating achievements, acknowledging struggles, embracing the living legacy, and prioritizing education, we can elevate the significance of this commemoration. Let Black History Month be a catalyst for dialogue, empathy, and continued efforts toward a society that cherishes and respects the diversity of its history.