Black History Month is a time set aside to honor those who have made significant contributions to the development of today’s America. It teaches students about the contributions of Black and Brown Americans. It is important to create a dialogue on racism as well as the contributions, customs, and achievements of African Americans.
Today, it’s most important because it places a focus on all people. Many people have contributed to the development of today’s America. Thus, everyday history lessons must recognize the contributions of all people. However, February is set aside exclusively for Black Americans. There are too many racial injustices for students not to focus on Black and Brown Americans.
Black History Past
Carter G. Woodson is known as the “Father of Black History”. He developed Black History Month. He chooses the second week of February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Douglas escaped from slavery, and Lincoln abolished slavery.
There are many Black Americans that students need to know. These are some of the Americans who need to have their acknowledgments known.
- Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black American woman physician.
- Mary McLeod Bethune was a leader in education, women’s rights, and civil rights.
- Margaret Stickland Collins was a high school graduate at the age of 14.
- Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated man. Knowledgeable in surveying, astronomy, and insects.
- Elizabeth Freeman had a legal challenge document that gave her freedom.
There are many more Black American contributors to society that students need to study. Additionally, Woodson feels that it is essential for Black and Brown Americans to learn about their heritage. Woodson states, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
February, Black History Month, places the focus on the family. A look at various disciplines of the Black family that include history, anthropology, literature, sociology, and the arts. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History decides each year’s theme.
