Black History Month makes powerful impact

by sania gali news editor

Black History Month in February has traditionally been a time of year to highlight the history, accomplishments and obstacles that the Black community in the United States and around the world has faced.

The month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford in celebration of the United States’ bicentennial. The month takes the time to emphasize how important African American figures are in history and how integral they were in the country’s overall success as a global superpower.

“We gather to celebrate Black History Month, and from our earliest days, Black history has been American history,” said former President Barack Obama at the White House’s annual Black History Month reception in 2016. “We’re the slaves who quarried the stone to build this White House; the soldiers who fought for our nation’s independence, who fought to hold this union together, who fought for freedom of others around the world. We’re the scientists and inventors who helped unleash American innovation.”

Often, when celebrating Black History Month, society tends to focus on the struggles that the African American community faced such as slavery, segregation and the Jim Crow era and its impact. However, African American figures and stories that discuss the accomplishments and triumphs of the community are often overlooked by the media. There have been many advancements as U.S. senator Hiram Revels, the first Black senator, helped spearhead progress in Congress for minorities.

“[Black History Month] is really important because I know the history curriculum in a lot of schools in the district don’t include a lot of Black History in a sense that [it is separate] from slavery and the reconstruction,” said Abby Flamer ‘23, Black Student Union Vice President. “It’s an opportunity to educate people about Black accomplishments and important Black figures that we don’t really spend a lot of time studying. It’s a way to be more seen in the school [as well].”

In recent history, Black Americans have been climbing the political ladder in state and national politics, especially with the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, and current Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020, as well as the current 60 Black Americans serving in the U.S. Congress. There has been a greater emphasis on the importance of representation in politics for the Black community.

“Honestly, I really love seeing that representation, and I think it’s absolutely necessary having that representation, especially now,” said BSU Secretary Naima Kahl ‘24. “It’s really inspirational to think that an African American person can become president, vice president or a state senator in places that originally used to put down [the African American community]. Representation is crucial, and I think we need way more of it.”

Concerns have been raised that Black History Month has become a way to only discuss the obstacles and accomplishments the community faces during just one month of the year, and it allows people to remain indifferent toward problems facing the community, such as housing or incarceration, throughout the rest of the year.

“Black History Month to me is a way to respect and honor people’s stories who have been forgotten for so long,” said Kahl. “I kind of have a weird relationship with it because I think that it’s a little bit tokenized. I think it’s kind of the way, sometimes, for people to just pay their respects for a month and then forget about it. It’s important that the conversation is continued after the month is over.”

In an age where racial inequality exists economically and socially, looking back on and celebrating powerful figures during Black History Month creates a sense of pride and hope for the future. It provides a way for young people of the Black community to find inspiration for success and helps those who are not African American recognize an instrumental part of the nation’s history. As the United States continues to progress, the need for recognizing figures from historically–oppressed racial groups lives on.

“I want [students at WHS] to appreciate other cultures,” said Flamer. “Whether it’s Black culture, South American [culture] or different Asian cultures, I feel it’s just important to have an open mind and realize that American history is not just white history. There’s so many people that have contributed to this country and the world.”

Poet, civil rights activist and world–renowned author. Some of her most popular works include “And Still I Rise,” “Caged Bird” and “Awaking in New York.”

5. FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818–1895): Abolitionist, journalist and statesman in the 19th century. He dedicated his life and career to working toward emancipation for slaves.

6. BARACK OBAMA (1961–present): First African American president. He served from 2009 to 2017 and led many reforms such as the Affordable Care Act and the Consumer Protection Act.

7. ROSA PARKS (1913–2005): Widely known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She was later honored by Congress as “The First Lady of Civil Rights.”

8. AMANDA GORMAN (1998–present): Poet and author who received international attention for her inspiring poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Compiled by James Miller & Lucas Van