Today is February 29, 2016. The last day of Black History Month, so they say. But says who? As I heard college students state on a newly formed historically black college or university (HBCU) campus story, “My black is luxurious like the smooth chocolate it was dipped in with a pinch of gold” and “My Black History is never ending”. Just 100 years ago, you would not catch a single soul speaking with such dignity about themselves and their culture. This year's Black History Month has truly been one that will forever go down in the books for students who attend a historically black college or university. It is the first time there has been an outlet and source of communication where students across the U.S can converse on matters that directly impact the ones they identify with the most, while having the ability to view what other campuses are doing for their means of celebration. There has been nothing but uplifting messages and conversations occurring between students of color across the United States.
As we all know, Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February. It is not only a celebration of our past, but a celebration of our journey that is leading to a brighter future. Black History month was created to educate the black community, as well as others around the world, by giving recognition to important events and people in history.
From the civil rights movement, to the passing of the 15th Amendment- which granted blacks the right to vote, to black students excelling in higher education, all the way to Barack Obama becoming the president for two terms, the history of Black Americans has been an uphill battle with many fascinating accomplishments.
Now, we understand that this month was dedicated to the black community in February because it fell in between Frederick Douglass’ and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday- two men who greatly impacted the Black American population. However, this becomes controversial because many believe the advances within the black community, and the accomplishments and contributions made to the world should be celebrated 365 days a year, not just 29. Others believe, that the month is enough time because no other race gets the same opportunity to have a month specifically dedicated to them. Now I don’t want to personally input my opinion, so my question for you guys is: Do you think there should be a “last day” to celebrate black history? Or is it a year round celebration for most of you? Who says that you have to be limited to a month to celebrate happiness for your culture?
Most people are living a life that truly exemplifies black excellence by achieving things their ancestors would have never gotten the opportunity to. Black History Month, for many, is about acknowledging black beauty and strength. However, should it be longer?
I agree. There has been a big controversy that we were given February to be our black history month because it has the shortest number of days, but I am glad that you addressed that is not true. But because it is of those two important leaders that led slavery to an end. Also to answer your question, I am African American and I'll be African American for the rest of my life, therefore I will celebrate my blackness until the day I die.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement your statement about this Black history month being "...one that will forever go down in the books." However, not necessarily for the same reasons that you have stated, yes it is true what you said about HBCUs being able to communicate with each other as well as with the rest of the nation about their thoughts on Black history. What I believe to be more impactful than this is the performance of Beyonce a the super bowl and Kendrick Lamar at the Grammy's. Both of these artists chose some of the largest platforms to display not only black heritage, but Black pride.
ReplyDeleteBut to answer your question, I think one month for Black history is fine. The way I view Black history is like a birthday. If you celebrated your birthday everyday, it would just lose how special it is. Yet just because we only have one birthday a year, doesn't mean that we do not appreciate our lives any less. One thing that could change is not to forget the legacy left behind by our ancestors the other 11 months of the year.