Black History Month is a national celebration highlighting African Americans’ determination and accomplishments. It uncovers the hidden history and allows African Americans to share their attributions to the United States of America.
Many people need help understanding Black History. It’s more complex than most people think. The month emphasizes the unrevealed history of slavery and the oppression Black people faced. The celebration gives Black people a chance to help others understand their struggles.
¨I think Black History Month is important because it just brings awareness to the people that fought so hard back in the day, especially in small communities like Delta. It gives us some recognition,” said Zora Thomas.
But Black history and known American history shouldn’t separate. To understand American history, people must acknowledge Black History to expand their knowledge.
Ideally, we should learn about Black History no matter the month, but this is steady progress.
The United States is called the ‘melting pot’ because the nation has people from different races, nationalities, and ethnicities. Diversity is what makes America unique. So, learning about Black history helps one better understand one’s culture and identity.
Reading and consuming other media made by Black authors can help us grasp their stories. ¨They are not for learning about Black History per se, but I recommend the novels of Jason Reynolds as enjoyable reads from a contemporary author… His books deal with mature themes but are written for young people, so they don’t have strong language to the extent that Angie Thomas’s books do. Unfortunately, a lot of YA literature includes excessive profanity,¨ said Tiffany Hendrix, a teacher at DHS.
The month provides voices for black people, which can then lead to inspiring other individuals to do the same. The use of one’s voice, especially from a minority group, is empowering; it builds strength, and it’s beneficial to encourage a whole society.
¨I think the most influential African American was probably Harriet Tubman for obvious reasons and Zora Neil Hurson, who was a famous blues singer, and I was named after her. She really paved the way for other Black artists,¨ said Thomas.
But how can we celebrate these individuals?
¨Many communities across the U.S. and Canada host events and exhibits where people can learn about the Black community. For example, my hometown of Hammond, Indiana held its annual celebration this year and used it to honor local Black firefighters. The Alliance Française in Chicago held a special documentary film screening this year that showcased James Baldwin’s work as presented by a filmmaker of Haitian heritage,¨ said Hendrix.
One month can leave a lasting impact.
