Every February, Black History Month is recognized and celebrated by people all over America. A time to remember and teach others about the history of African American people.
Black History Month was created by Carter G. Woodson in 1915. He started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). He wanted to promote the knowledge about Black past and chose the month of February to “encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass,” according to Darryl Michael Scott, a History professor at Howard University, who wrote an article for the Association of the Study of African American Life and History.
This year is the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans who were brought to English mainland North America for the first time, according to Peniel Joseph, who wrote an opinion piece about Black History Month on CNN.
Schools these days have minimal and brief education about Black History Month. Here at South, not much goes on for Black History Month. However, a new club titled Shades of South did activities for the whole month.
“In addition to our typical meetings, we have been busy beautifying the school with posters for Black History Month and creating thoughtful announcements featuring important Black figures in history,” Hannah Christie, English teacher and Shades of South co-sponsor, said. “We are also appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Media Center for the Cougar Coffeehouse this month.”
“I am really proud of the group and what we have put together for the month,” said Donivan Cranfield, a member of Shades of South. “Being a young club we can struggle to get stuff approved or get things going, but we did what we could and it’s a great start for all of us.”
Some believe that Black History Month isn’t as recognized as it once was.
“I do not believe BHM (Black History Month) gets the recognition it deserves simply because one month could never do it justice how much impact African Americans have had on this country,” Cranfield said. “To learn about the same five civil rights activists every year and then throw it all in the back seat is not enough.”
“Black History Month is important because Black history is American history,” Christie said.