America is celebrated around the world based on the diversity of the people who call it home. People from all over the world have immigrated to the shores and have proudly displayed their culture in living the American Dream. Black History Month or African-American Culture Month is celebrated every year during the month of February.
Noted educator and historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week” in 1926. Approximately 60 years following emancipation and when Slavery was legally abolished, former slaves and their offspring experienced institutional racism, oppression and other measures to thwart their progress. Lynchings, violence, lack of opportunities and other tactics were tools used to keep the Negro in “his place.” Institutional racism is a system where the dominant population uses race or the difference in ethnicity in keeping other groups inferior to them.
Negroes, Blacks, Colored and African-American are used interchangeably depending on time period.
Dr. Woodson knew of the many contributions Negroes made in helping the United States grow and prosper as a nation. Despite the inferiority which had been imposed, Woodson used the special week in 1926 to specifically highlight the contributions of his people. Few publicly spoke of the contributions but as our nation was changing, he felt the time was right for all people to become better educated.
In creating the week, Dr. Woodson’s aim was two-fold; educate Negroes, as well as the general population in an attempt to tear down the inferior complex that many had accepted. Even today, and contrary to some African-Americans understanding of their own history, the celebration of African-American History or Black History is not just a black thang! The attempt of Black History is to showcase the tapestry of a specific ethnic group and why it is just as important to other cultures in making our country the unique place it has become.
While everyone, except the indigenous Indian came from another land, institutional racism led many to believe Black History started in Jamestown as Slavery was introduced. It is a critical fact but it does not tell the entire story, particularly where slaves came from. That is why scholars such as Dr. Woodson and others living before us today have presented a more comprehensive history of Blacks in the United States. The true history starts in Africa and despite being enslaved; it projects a more accurate portrayal of how Blacks contributed to the development of America. The documentation has to be sought out, because part of the legacy of Slavery was to strip those enslaved of their history.
Sharing one’s culture is the spirit of why America celebrates various holidays and festive occasions. In 1976, Dr. Woodson’s platform was extended to the full month of February. It represents a special time where black culture is showcased and as mentioned, the history is not just for Blacks but for all who seek a more historical account.
Here are several sources that go into detail to showcase Black History.
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
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