By Damion Drackett, Contributing Writer
The color of our skin is more than a thick layer, it starts developing from within, building and impacting all lives that it touches. Every February, many countries across the world celebrate Black History Month. It brings up the discussion of what it means to be Black, and the specificities of celebrating Black History Month.
In 1926, Black History Month stemmed from an organization, created by Carter G. Woodson, that promoted Black life and the historical attributes that come with it. This was then transformed into something bigger, and eventually was nationally recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 in the United States of America.
There were many historical events present in February of the 19th century, celebrating many aspects of Negro History. February was specifically chosen because it underlined the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglas on Feb. 20.
These specific dates were used as celebration marks for enjoying the history of the Black community. This was then turned into a one-month celebration, as people saw the need for it to be celebrated more because of how much the Black community contributed to the United States of America.
Ashley Butler, a Saint Leo student majoring in Political Science gave her views on Black History Month.
“Black history helps to create a certain environment and comfort for the Black community; it also creates an atmosphere of dedication and resilience in observing blacks as a people,” said Butler.
Black History Month is more than just a month, it is an entity, a stamp and a trademark in society that allows for Black people to feel special and celebrated for all their contributions and hardship that they have endured over the years.
Black History Month is one that is celebrated in different ways here in the United States of America. People tend to retrace their family history, while others find celebration in helping or donating to different colored organizations and businesses. Many television networks showcase Black movie marathons.
In embracing the Black pride, it has become more important to the longevity of the society of the United States of America. Black History Month has even become more relevant as individuals, whether black, white, or mixed, are now celebrating and appreciating this historical celebration.
Barack Obama, former President of the U.S., once said, “African American culture has shaped American culture and we now see that it is being more accepted as it reminds people of where we are as a country and where we want to go.”
These trademarks of Black History Month have made it clear to society that it has a purpose and that it deserves to be celebrated, just as much as the other historical events in the U.S.
With all the impact of Black History Month, there are still a few who question whether the month should be celebrated. The National Broadcasting Company News (NBC) mentioned that skepticism.
“20 percent of whites take ethnic classes and many parents have removed their child from participating in Black History Month related activities.”
Ashliegh Ellis, a freshman studying Bio-Medical and Health Sciences, said, “Being Black is more than just a color; it is the period at every sentence and the beauty that overpowers all.”
Jameelah Spence, a freshman studying Political Science, said, “Being Black is her knowing that she has to work hard for everything in life to feel rewarded; it means fighting strong battles throughout life and never giving up.”
Black History month remains relevant because of its impacts on the lives of many Black people across the world. It has created so many opportunities and opened so many spaces for other colored people to grow and be a part of a community.
