Black History Month: Celebrating African Americans
Black History Month celebrates the legacy, contributions, and achievements of African Americans. It is observed every year in the month of February in the United States and Canada as African American History Month, and as African and Caribbean History Month in the United Kingdom. President Gerald Ford first officially recognized the importance of the Month in 1976 and declared February as National Black History Month.
History of Black History Month
Black History Month originated during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. It was a cultural and literary movement which celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans. During this period, many scholars and activists began collating and publishing works documenting the history and accomplishments of African Americans. Carter G. Woodson, one such activist who was widely seen as the father of Black History Month, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. Woodson later went on to establish the Negro History Week in 1926. Negro History Week was observed every year during the second week of February, remembering the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, prominent figures in African American history. The observance was subsequently expanded to the entire month of February in 1976 and was known as Black History Month.
Celebrating Contributions and Legacy of African Americans
Black History Month provides a platform for individuals, organizations, and communities to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and legacy of African Americans through history. It includes highlighting the achievements of prominent African American figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Nelson Mandela. The month also creates an opportunity to cast a light on the contributions of African Americans in various fields, such as the arts, sciences, politics, and sports. It is important to remember that African Americans have been at the forefront of the American politics and the civil rights movement. They played key roles in the abolitionist movement during the 19th century and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. there are many African Americans who have been at the center of many innovations in the fields of arts and sciences. Their work in all fields is gaining increasing prominence.
Recognizing Barriers Faced by African Americans
It is crucial to recognize the wonderful work done by African Americans in America and other countries. Their struggles and determined stride have allowed the enjoyment of full citizenship by many Americans. Their advocacy and activism continues to build a more just and free nation. It is of utmost importance to remember the wars waged by African Americans against discrimination and injustice. While there are many African Americans who have crossed the hurdles in their journey, not everyone is able to overcome the obstacles posed in their path. Racism continues to be a major barrier which prevents people from achieving their ambitions. Racism combined with other forms of oppression stand as an impediment for many African Americans even today. Even though many act. as though we live in a post-racial world, however this is not true. We exist in the midst of a racist society, and it is our responsibility to fight racism.
Three Ways to Combat Everyday Racism:
All of us, regardless of our race and color, have the responsibility to stand against racism. Here are three things that you can start doing.
1. Being mindful of your privilege: It is crucial to acknowledge the privilege attached to your identity and the role it plays in your everyday life. This is not necessarily just your racial identity but any other aspect of your identity such as color, citizenship, ability, gender, sexuality, religion, and socio-economic status. Being cognizant of how your identity privileges you in the society and using this privilege to empower others is very important.
2. Make a conscious effort to unlearn stereotypes and biases: we hear a lot of racist slurs, comments and witness actions that might be overtly or covertly racist on an everyday basis. It is crucial to be deliberate in understanding whether something is racist. One of the best ways to separate facts from stereotypes and biases is actively listening. If your peer points out that something is racist, then it is most likely racist. Internet can also be a very important tool. If you are not sure if something is racist, then look it up. While it is not an easy task, being conscious and deliberate is very helpful.
3. Have the difficult conversations and call people in: it is never easy confronting people, however calling people in (versus out) who might be contributing to racism is crucial. Calling people in does not have to be aggressive by any means. Having conversations with family and friends to begin with can be helpful. Explaining the implications of their language and behavior can enable them to become more conscious of their actions.
Sources:
1. https://nnedv.org/latest_update/8-everyday-ways-to-fight-racism/
2. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
3. https://asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/
The “Did You Know?” section is brought to you by the CILP Program Assistants team covering various topics on social justice issues. This week’s author is Srianusha Thotakura.