Every February, (for those who don’t know) we honor black history, the trailblazers and historical figures who have paved the way for black people and black Americans today. Black History Month came to be thanks to Carter G. Woodson, who was a renowned Black historian. Woodson believed that black Americans should be recognized because they helped shape our nation’s history, and in 1926, Woodson launched “Negro History Week”. Woodson had made it align with Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas’ birthdays, two individuals who were pivotal figures in the fight against slavery.
Over time, Woodson sparked a movement and eventually in 1976, President Ford recognized February as what we now know it as: Black History Month. Ever since then, Black History Month has been recognized by many countries globally and has been talked about in classrooms and discussing the many accomplishments of historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Madam C.J. Walker, Malcolm X and many more. Regardless of that, black history is more than just a month, it's everyday life and black history deserves to be recognized everyday and forever.
The fight for equality and justice is far from over, but we must always remember and celebrate the accomplishments that these amazing black trailblazers did and never forget them. So for that, Black History Month serves as a month of inspiration, courage and hope for the many black Americans (such as myself) because every single one of the figures we commemorate, such as Carter G. Woodson himself, who started Black History Month will serve as a beacon of hope to us.
To conclude, Black History Month means to never forget the people who got you where you are today and that’s what makes Black History Month so important and why it deserves to be recognized for an entire month and beyond.
Cover photo credits to Thomahowk on Deviant Art