Why Black History Month is Celebrated and its Prevalence in America
Establishing Context
February 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month, an annual observance and celebration in the United States dedicated to reminding ourselves of significant Black figures better understand and celebrate their role in shaping our nation.
For centuries, Black communities endured great pain, suffering, and adversity in a fight to gain their rightful freedoms. Through these hardships our Black communities have continued to persist, putting others before themselves, demonstrating selflessness that has ultimately aided our country in making strides of racial progress.
Despite the progress being made today, there is still much more to be achieved in terms of racial issues riddled within American society. In 2020, groups of people banded together in protest of police brutality and other racially motivated incidents targeted toward Black people. In a fight for the justice of the innocent lives lost, we must always remember the name George Perry Floyd Jr., whose life was taken by police brutality. His story is a reminder of the injustices Black Americans face daily and pushes us to understand the importance of serving communities in need.
Remarkable Black Figures
From fine artists and musicians to activists and public speakers, Black figures play an indispensable role in the functioning of American society.
Harriet Tubman is remembered for her resilience and perseverance as an essential figure fighting against slavery. She dedicated her life toward helping African-Americans escape slavery, utilizing her skills to learn towns and transportation routes introducing the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s efforts continue to impact and inspire Black voices to advocate against injustice.
Martin Luther King Jr. pushed beyond his boundaries and redefined social standards, inspiring people to challenge traditional ideas of race. His work as both an advocate and activist is still remembered today, and his efforts continue to touch the lives of non-Black and Black Americans. His “I Have a Dream”, “Our God is Marching On”, “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” and many more speeches emphasize the importance of finding unity in differences.
“All we say to America is, ‘Be true to
what you said on paper.
Somewhere I
read of the freedom of assembly.
Somewhere I read of the freedom of
speech. Somewhere I read of the
freedom of the press. Somewhere I read
that the greatness of America is the
right to protest for right.”— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Maya Angelou, an American poet, and civil rights activist, is another figure known for her poem Still I Rise which confronts the twisted and hardship-ridden history of people of color (POC) in America. This seemingly simple poem reminds Black communities that despite their struggles, they are strong and resilient.
Milestones in Black History
In 1847, Dred Scott went to trial in an attempt to sue and attain his freedom. It took an entire decade for his appeals and reversals to be introduced to the United States Supreme Court.
The Court decided that Scott did not have the right to sue, as he was a slave. Regardless, antislavery northerners joined him in his battle which triggered discourse in America. Scott’s efforts to find freedom were one of the many –– necessary and imperative –– stepping stones in history that were taken to eradicate slavery.
Further, segregation laws gave Black figures and communities additional reasons to fight for the freedom they deserved. As a POC, you were expected to avoid interaction with any white counterparts, whether it be in vehicles or restaurants, or other establishments. Ultimately, the “separate but equal” mindset was evaluated in civil rights cases like Plessy vs. Ferguson, a legal case that surfaced after a train passenger recklessly refused to receive transportation in a vehicle with innocent Black citizens.
Although the Black community has undergone plenty of a great deal of struggles, steps are continuously being taken in the right direction. As of January 2021, Kamala Harris set a new standard and became the first POC to take on the title of United States vice president. Harris’ backstory demonstrates the power of hard work and determination as an underlying theme within POC communities; both of Harris’ parents immigrated to the United States. Her mother immigrated from India, while her father immigrated from Jamaica. Harris is the first Black female vice president to hold her title as not only a politician but the Vice President of the United States, to a new standard. Throughout her career, she has highlighted many societal issues linked to Black, Asian, White, Latina, and Native American women who’ve come to America in search of freedom, job opportunity, and a better life.
Black History Month continues to remind me of my obligation as a young advocate to confront issues of systemic racism. Of course, centuries of struggle and inequality can never be undone–but, progress must be made to work toward a stigma-free future.
Black History and the American Labor Movement
African Americans were arguably the most prominent group of people in America throughout the American Labor Movement. They acted as the backbone of many projects that furthered the military-focused ambitions of America at the end of the Civil War. African Americans were the main figures to partake in caulking which helped the United States continue to build naval ships.
American labor history dates back centuries when slaves were first introduced; American colonists had no regard for the well-being of African Americans and took advantage of them for 246 years.
My passion for helping others, as well as my drive to advocate for those facing unlawful workplace conduct is rooted in the history of American labor. Learning about the communities of POC that were taken advantage of, exploited, and wronged for centuries is a constant reminder that these issues are still prevalent today. Every year on average about 340 million occupational incidents take place; of these workers, Latinx workers experience 3.7 fatal injuries for every 100,000 workers in the United States.
Labor-focused activism is necessary for America, given a large number of workers are left vulnerable annually.
How to Become More Involved
It’s vital to understand the context and history of how Black History Month came to be, here are some other ways you can become involved!
Another way to expand your knowledge on Black history, and educate both yourself and those around you is to listen to podcasts. Especially at this time of year, there are many podcasts at your disposal that can be listened to on platforms like Spotify.
- Black History for White People
- Black History Buff Podcast by King Kurus
- Witness History: Witness Black History by BBC World Service
- Black History Year by PushBlack
- Everyday Black History: Afro Appreciation by Afro A
In addition to these podcasts that offer ample information on racial disparities in America, virtual events are another way to get a more hands-on interactive experience throughout Black History Month.
Two great resources are eventbrite.com & allevents.in! These are platforms that hold various free virtual events ranging from Black history genealogy to paint parties.
Thank you!
I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about Black History Month, ways you can become more educated, and make persistent efforts to expand your cultural knowledge and fight against injustice.
Additional Resources
Adam Senzon
is a young activist looking to educate others on pressing issues rooted in society. He is interested in all things related to politics, policy, and business. His pursuit of social justice is something that drives him to continue to write and expand his knowledge.
