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TUESDAY, FEB 25. 2020
Black history is important year round Myles Womack Senior Staff Reporter mjw3@uab.edu It only makes sense that throughout the calendar year the shortest month is given to celebrate African American people. Black political and civil figures during movements in American law need to be instructed and dissected in classrooms at all levels of education. Black media and entertainment don’t just need more representation in numbers but stories that comment on everyday life that highlights black people with similar issues that our counterparts are often allowed to experience. The general population needs to be versed in black history not because a month calls for it but because we are in fact a part of American history. Slavery in colonial America, black soldiers who fought on both sides of the Civil War, Emancipation Day, the Civil Rights Act and a numerous amount of other events that have taken place to date. Black history is an important staple in American culture. Black history should not only be celebrated but taught every day. Black issues are often forgotten throughout daily news cycles and in general conversation in the mainstream. Typically, black businesspeople, politicians, activists, entertainers and athletes who have accomplished historic feats are often short-lived.
Further to the point, after the month finishes the names and likes of black leaders and revolutionaries aren’t to be mentioned again until the next year. The origins of Black History Month date back to post-Civil War Reconstruction era after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Later that year Carter G. Woodson, who was known as the “Father of Black History,” founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). According to the ASNLH, the purpose of Woodson’s legacy was to help promote the accomplishments of black people since the inception of slavery in America diminished black livelihood. In 1926, Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week, which eventually lead to the month-long celebration in 1976. Ten years later, Congress officially designated the celebration to include the entire month of February and what is now known today as ‘Black History Month.’ However, even as African Americans continue to progress and achieve important things today, those very accomplishments receive little, if any, recognition to the masses. The general population needs to be versed in black history not because a month calls for it but because we are in fact a part of American history. Slavery in colonial America, black soldiers who fought on both sides of the Civil War, Emancipation Day, the Civil Rights Act and a numerous amount of other events that have taken place to date.
PHOTO BY CADE PAIR / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
What does Black History Month mean to you? Being bi-racially black, I grew up knowing where my roots are, where I came from. My mom, being black, she has always taught me the value of knowing my history and the history of being black. I think it’s really a beautiful thing that’s been very Skylar Diaz, freshman in business marketing
Growing up, I didn’t really get the significance until I got older and learned more about my people and what they went through, and now I think it’s really important. I feel like we don’t really get recognized that much within the community. I think having this month educates not only us, but other people, about the accomplishments that we have made. It’s important to highlight it.
History is definitely important. All the things that happened in the past led us to where we are now. I think it’s really important to remember it and celebrate it. Everyone should know the significance of the month and why we need to Marcellus Payne, freshman remember it.” biomedical sciences Lakshmi Bommineni, master’s in computer science Honestly, I think there isn’t enough done to celebrate and recognize black history month. You see fliers and stuff, but unless you actively search out the information, it’s not readily available. Celebrating black history is important, because as a culture and group they have been so oppressed, and we should take the opportunity to celebrate differences. Amber Glaze, freshman in chemistry
