The founder of Black History Month is Carter G Woodson. In 1926 Carter G Woodson took the time out to promote and educate people about Black history and the culture. At first it started off as Negro Week but soon it went from a week to a month.
Colors for Black History month or even Juneteenth are red, green, yellow, and black. These colors has been representing the history of Black people and our history for years. Each color has a wonderful meaning behind it. Red means African bloodshed during the years of European occupation, Green means represents the fertility of the land, yellow means the African riches plundered under occupation, and black means the people of Africa.
The importance of Black History Month is so that so many generations remember the important people and events that has occurred through out the African diaspora. Not only remember what happened but understand it as well.
I was able to interview Jennifer.Guerrero a student at Palmetto High School. I simply asked her what does Black History Month mean to you, she stated very firmly that, ” Black Lives Matter has a big meaning to me, coming from a hispanic household and knowing the struggles as a Mexican American has faced. I believe Black Lives Matter, has bought so much awareness to so many people. People shouldn’t treat people differently because of their skin color. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Black History gives me hope one day we will all love and respect each other one day, I mean look how far we have got as of today. If we can keep putting in an effort we sure will make a difference. This month is very important to me.”
I also Interviewed Lexy Luther she expressed strongly how she felt, and here is what she had to say about Black History month.I feel like the term “Black History” is a very misused and misunderstood phrase. It’s as if people believe we use this statement as leverage to put as above and against them. To us, it is not used to degrade or separate other races , but rather is a time to celebrate the independence and freedom, to be jovial for the egalitarianism laid upon us today. We never mean to imply that everyone else isn’t important, but that it take all of us,every race,every color,every religion to make a change to prosper. We all can leave our footprints in the sand our brothers and sisters fought on , for us to use the the same bathroom a white man just walked out of, to use the same water fountain as our white brothers, for our kids to go to the same school and be friends whom ever they wanted without them being frowned upon or threatened. The history books only teach us what they want us to see about black injustice, and discrimination. The truth is, like kids , we learn from our parents actions, well, we are the parents of the future. Our actions of today determine wether or not our ancestors names will be gratefully remembered or mourned for their loss. This is why we have black history month, not to boast and brag, but to be proud of what we’ve become. To give recognition to those that didn’t live to see the outcome. To appreciate that we have grown because of their actions. We aren’t perfect , we never will be. What we do now , is what our kids will live for in the future , and their kids , and their kids. Black history month is not the month of war between us, it is the month of praise for change and the everlasting hope for justice and peace.”
I was able to ask Madeline Hume do you think Black History Month is important. Her response was, “I think honoring Black History Month is great, honoring African American men and women who have had a tremendous impact in our country. It has led us forward to help us change society in becoming accepting of the unique differences in how God has made us. So yes, I believe it is important.”
Makayla Hornes explained to me ways you can celebrate Black History Month. She stated,” Ways to celebrate Black History Month is to support a Black owned business, expand your own knowledge by reading books by Black authors and sharing you knowledge about Black History to others.”
I had a brief conversation with my aunt Chianti Josey, I asked her if she celebrate Black History and what does Black History Month mean to her. Here is what she had to say, “I don’t celebrate Black History month, specifically. I embrace our history and culture all year long. I do think it is a great gesture to spotlight our accomplishments at a set interval, on an annual basis so it stays on the radar of others. That way, people know it’s coming and intentionally look for all the valuable content that is shared in February. I feel it is an effective means of educating those who would not, otherwise, know or do the research themselves.”
It is very important to incorporate Black History year around, not just the month of February. We should all educate ourselves about Black History and keep it alive for so many generations.