Black History Month
Jayde Eubanks
The Colossal Change from Negro History Week to Black History Month, Before Black History Month became Black History Month, it was simply Negro History Week.
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), proposed that the second week of February be declared as Negro History Week. He chose this week because it corresponded with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and Frederick Douglass’s birthday on February 14. He believed these two figures played an important role in the black community and should be included in the celebration.
Carter G. Woodson was born in New Canton, Virginia, to former slavesAnne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. Although his parents were uneducated and could not read nor write, Woodson often stated that his father influenced his life’s choices and shaped him into the man he became.He attended several prestigious colleges and universities, earning multiple degrees due to his hard work and dedication. Woodson received his Bachelor of Literature degree from Berea College, Kentucky before traveling to the Philippines in 1907 to serve as a school supervisor. He remained the supervisor for a successful four years. He later embarked on a journey throughout Europe and Asia, studying in Paris at Sorbonne University. In 1908, Woodson received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago, and in 1912, a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.
Carter G. Woodson initiated “Negro History Week” in an effort to bring attention to society that blacks were a crucial part of United States history. He observed history books, noting that most did not mention blacks. He felt that it was necessary to recognize those who improved society by standing up to the issue and fighting for equal rights. Years later, Woodson became known to the people as the “Father of Black History.”
In February 1969, the leaders of the Black United Students, an organization dedicated to the educational, cultural, political, and social advancement of African peoples throughout the world, at Kent State University proposed to expand Negro History Week to Black History Month. The proposition passed and Kent State University’s first celebration of Black History Month occurred one year later in February 1970.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month and urged Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by black citizens.” After Ford’s term in office, Presidents Carter and Reagan followed in his footsteps, also urging Americans to honor Black History Month, otherwise known as “African American History Month.”
In 1986, Public Law 99-244 was passed by Congress. This law designated February as “National Black History Month” which enabled schools to teach children of the importance of African American history and celebrate the improvements African Americans have had on society. As stated by Kaitlyn Viers, “Black history has impacted my life because so many Americans fought for not only blacks’ rights, but for all Americans. I think people like Alice Walker, the author of “The Color Purple”, were huge influences on society. I had to do a report on Alice in eighth grade and I loved her work. “The Color Purple” has such great empowerment. I think that if someone is planning on becoming an author, she is someone one should look up to because she focuses on truth and keeps things real.”
Dejah Warren, a junior, expressed her appreciation of black history month and the significance it has had in her life. “Black history month is important to me because I’m African American,” stated Dejah Warren. “I think Black History Month is interesting, but no one ever talks about it because it’s either awkward or people don’t care enough to learn. It should be included more in the common core because the last time I celebrated Black History Month in school was when I was in elementary school. But still, I get the education that so many people fought for.”
“Black history plays an important role in our nation’s history,” stated Keely McEwen Miller. “If it weren’t for so many incredible people, I wouldn’t be with my amazing boyfriend, who happens to be black.” Keely’s relationship reminds people that love is love and the color of one’s skin doesn’t matter. She claims that when she began dating her boyfriend, she never payed attention to the fact that he was black. She states, “I loved how kind he was, I loved his personality, and that was all that mattered.”
These three interviewees remind people of how far America has come. It’s incredible to think that what was once a country of enslavement and inequality, is now a country of freedom and equality. It took almost two hundred years and thousands of unbelievably faithful people’s lives, but today, anything is possible for anyone.
