Beyond February: Sustaining Black History All Year

Written by: Wurata Marah

It’s the month of February, and like many months of the year, it brings its own unique celebrations. One of these celebrations is Black History Month, a time in which we celebrate black people, their traditions, culture, history and the many contributions that they have brought to society all over the world. While Black History Month is celebrated globally, it originated in the U.S. as a dedicated time to honor the contributions and history of black people. A movement like this deserves a celebration and there are many ways to do so: Through parades, public speaking, social media campaigns and  much more. 

However before we dive into how it is celebrated, it is important to understand the history of black people and the month made to celebrate them. Black History Month was first established as “Negro History Week” by Dr. Carter G. Woodson who was the son of former

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (above), founder of Negro History Week in 1926.

slaves and was the second black man to earn a PhD from Harvard University. Dr. Woodson chose the second week of February because it coincided with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincvoln, two figures that were essential to the liberation of black people.  Dr. Carter created “Negro History Week” to encourage the teaching of Black history, which at the time was heavily ignored. Soon with the encouragement of Black students at Kent State University in 1969, Carter began to consider expanding the holiday. It was not until 1976 that president at the time, Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and encouraged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history". 

While it’s great that black people were/are finally getting the recognition that they deserve, you may ask what for? Like other minorities in America, Black people have contributed to the

country’s growth and prosperity.  From the rhythmic foundations of Jazz, Blues and Hip-Hop to the frontiers of STEM & Social Justice, black people have been pioneers through American society. Musical icons such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Grandmaster Flash and Nina Simone revolutionized global culture. This legacy of expression is mirrored by literary and artistic giants like Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, and Oscar Micheaux. In science and medicine the brilliance of Dr. Charles Drew, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, Dr. Patricia Bath, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Mae Jemison, Lonnie Johnson, and George Washington Carver drove life-saving innovations and exploration. These contributions are anchored by the courageous activism of W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, and Kimberlé Crenshaw, whose pursuit of equality continues to drive the nation toward its stated ideals. These individuals, and countless of others, have not just contributed to but have actively built and transformed American society.

This month we celebrate all of these people and their accomplishments. We celebrate them through attending local parades, lectures, and  even cultural festivals. We can celebrate by visiting Museums and Landmarks such as the National Museum of African American History or taking virtual tours of the Civil Rights Trail. By taking the time to support black owned businesses, or donate or volunteer at organizations that support Black communities and racial justice. You can even celebrate just by deciding to educate yourself by reading and consuming different forms of art by black people, or simply just watching a documentary about an important figure in black history.

The National Museum of African American History (above), located in Washington D.C.

One way Franklin High School celebrates Black History Month is by hosting a Black History Month Assembly which is choreographed and performed by students. We also have a Black History Month spirit week where the school represents different cultures by allowing students to wear their traditional cultural attire. Through morning announcements we educate students on different cultural icons, and teachers do the same during class. There are so many ways to commemorate Black people and time should be taken to do so, especially this month. 

Black History is not just a thing of the past, it is a living breathing part of our present. Experiencing this month reminds us that there is nothing more powerful than a community deeply rooted in such a commanding history. As we move forward, take a moment to reflect on the stories that inspired you this February. How can you carry these lessons in your own life and work? Most importantly, remember that while February is a dedicated time, Black History is essential to world history every day of the year. Let’s honor this legacy with not just our words, but with our actions as we continue to build a more just and fair future today and all year long.