Black History Month

Kriti Sharma

Edited by Katie Asselin

2/28/19

As February comes to a close, many remember the reason why the month acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of African American activists in the past and present. The Civil Rights movement in the 1960s fought for the rights of its descendents just as the people of today fight for their children. Ever since 1976, the United States has been celebrating African American achievements by recognizing February as Black History Month. This month sprouted from the 1915 celebration of “Negro History Week” in honor of the 13th amendment.

In September 1915, Carter G. Woodson, a historian, started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to research and promote the achievements of African-Americans across the nation. By 1973, the organization used its influence to make the month a nationally observed holiday.

The ASNLH soon became the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and is called this today. The new group decided in 1976 that the month would have a new theme each year to honor people from all fields. 2019’s theme was the concept of “Black Migrations.” This year’s theme abides with the idea that while all people move locations to strive for a better life, Blacks often were forcibly relocated by slavery.

Cities today are homes to a variety of races and ethnicities just as America is as a whole. The Harlem Renaissance embraced music, art, and dance like no other. The 1920’s movement, often known as the “New Negro Movement,” was a time period that experienced a great influx of African American culture. The encouragement of others allowed for people to embrace their African descent. African Americans also moved to European nations after the two World Wars. Such migrations are then creating diversity in many different locations. The history behind migration was celebrated this past month and will continue to be prevalent.

Just as historians and activists celebrate Black History Month, Hollywood and its stars also use their platforms to bring African American celebration into the limelight. At the start of his Oscar acceptance speech, Spike Lee, the award-winning director of BlackkKlansman, gave special remarks to Black History Month. He stated that even though this was “the shortest month of the year,” African Americans were well represented. Michelle Obama used her social media to show young people how to get involved in their community and use the month to “write legacies of their own.” Laverne Cox wrote a special essay for TIME Magazine that explained that she cannot go through the same unfair treatment that her ancestors went through to achieve so much in Hollywood.

Spike Lee, Director of BlackkKlansman

Next year during Black History Month, or really any day, everyone can participate in activities around the community to embrace the meaning and significance of African American culture. Whether it’s learning about an activist’s life or reading some poetry written by an African American poet, there are many ways to be involved. February has once again embodied the celebration of a culture and will continue to inspire young leaders around the country year after year.