February, the most romantic month, is often not recognized for its cultural significance as Black History Month. Though February is a time to celebrate your loved ones, it is, more importantly, the time to commemorate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Typically, a wave of tributes, such as school bulletin board decorations and Instagram posts showcasing historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, flood the world for a few days. While these gestures acknowledge the accomplishments and efforts of Black individuals, they often feel insincere. Black History Month remains underappreciated and has become a box to check rather than a meaningful way to learn about African American history, culture, and struggles.
Black History Month can be traced back to the Negro History Week, the second week of February that coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. This week was chosen by Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The week was set to promote learning Black history within the community. Later, the week grew in popularity, calling for its expansion during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, giving the month the federal recognition it deserved. Black History Month is celebrated not only in the United States, but now also in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
However, Black History Month is more commonly used as a way businesses, corporations, and schools show their commitment to diversity. One of the most significant issues with Black History Month is how it is taught in schools. Educational institutions tend to rely on a few historical figures, reducing the month to Black individuals throughout history. While Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is critical and is an excellent example of a call for racial equality and justice, there is more to Black history than the 1960s. The significance of Black innovators, scientists, activists, and artists is overlooked in mainstream discussions. This leads to an incomplete understanding of African American excellence.
This lack of understanding goes beyond school spaces. Every year, companies showcase special campaigns and ads honoring African American individuals, but these ads lack equivalent actions. Topics such as less Black representation in leadership roles and workplace discrimination are avoided frequently. If Black History Month is to be celebrated in a meaningful way, it could surpass commercialization.
Education plays a crucial role in how society views Black History Month. Yet, many classrooms fail to educate students about an integral part of American and, by extension, world history. In public schools, at most, a few lessons in February talk about African American history, but, as mentioned before, they stick to the same few individuals. I agree that those same individuals are essential figures in Black history, but what about those who are not noticed daily? People like Jane Bolin, George Washington Carver, Fred Jones, and Shirley Chisholm deserve recognition for their triumphs and battles.
Furthermore, many times, Black history is oversimplified. The realities of racism and slavery are often hidden for fear of discomfort from the students. This reluctance limits students’ ability to fully comprehend Black History Month’s importance.
Black history should not be restricted to just the month of February. The victories and struggles of Black individuals should be sewn into history, science, and art throughout the year. Individuals like Garret Morgan, a World War I gas mask creator, and Octavia Butler, one of the first African American and female science fiction authors, should be known more commonly.
The same principle should be applied to companies and organizations. They must commit to a long-term change to claim that they honor Black history. Hiring more Black employees in leadership positions and actively fighting racial injustice are just a few actions that can be taken.
Black History Month should not be a month of fleeting acknowledgment but rather a month to kickstart a deeper understanding of Black history. Though the month does highlight a few important events, its current state in schools and corporations renders it an empty exercise. True recognition should mean embracing African American history all year long. Until then, I’m afraid Black History Month will remain a simple nod toward history.
