In February, those around the US celebrate Black History Month. While most know about this month, not all understand the importance of this celebration. In honor of Black History Month, we review the history, accomplishments, and struggles of the African American community.
African Americans have an extensive history to be celebrated. African Americans first arrived in North America in the 16th and 17th centuries when slave trade began. This trade came to an end in 1807 and was completely banned in 1808. Despite this, rights were severely limited to individuals of color. Voting rights, the right to own property, buy and lease land, conduct business, and the right to move freely throughout public places were all extremely limited. In 1865, legal segregation began by the passing of laws that discriminated against those of the African American community. In mid-1954, some rights were returned to those of the black community but people’s opinions remained negative. Many individuals believed that black people could not have certain careers or jobs or do certain things. Mary McLeod Bethune ended up setting the foundation for higher education in 1904. It is located in Jacksonville, Florida. She believed that there were ways to get African American people through education, claiming this was one of the best ways to do so. Building this legacy from the bottom, she built a name for herself as a champion of racial and gender equality. Proving those who thought poorly of education for people of color wrong. They got all equal rights later on, during The Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Black History Month began in 1915 when the lack of information about the successes of the Black people was shared by Carter G Woodson. With this honor being so easily neglected, Black History Month reminds those who have forgotten the endeavors of African American people. They decided to place the event in February in 1926. This is because they want to celebrate the birthdays of two great figures, these figures being Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. The month was officially placed and put on calendars around the US in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass are not the only people that are celebrated during this month. Some other important figures include Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Mae Jemison, and Barack Obama. Martin Luther King Jr. played a huge part in stopping segregation, protesting against the unfairness and inequality with his speeches. His most known speech was the “I Have a Dream” speech.
Thurgood Marshall knocked down legal segregation in America while he worked as a Civil Rights Attorney.
In 1992, Mae Jemison became known as the first African American woman to travel space.
Finally, Barack Obama, who we all know, is known for being the first African American President of the United States.
People celebrate this month in many different ways. Many only speak about the subject. However, there are places that were built specifically for Black History Month. Such as certain museums or different film screenings. Some of these movies or films are “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman,” “Selma,” “Harriet,” and “42.” Some Museums also include The National Museum of African American History and Culture, The National Civil Rights Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and The California African American Museum.
Tying this together, this month should be celebrated to commemorate the people in our community or people from history that had to go through these struggles. People everywhere will be appreciative of your support and acceptance. Support black individuals and communities in the month of February.
