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We Celebrate Because
So the month of February is designated in the U. S. as Black History Month. It is a time to focus on the history, accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. There are events that are planned out to facilitate the celebration for all ages. Schools have set aside curriculum specific to this topic during this time and even stores have started marketing more in this area to attract specific traffic for certain items during this month.
I am an African American woman and so personally I find this a uniquely special month because there is so much attention given to the rich and diverse group of people known as African Americans.
Lack of Information
At one time there was very little taught on African American history. We learned mostly about Harriet Tubman, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr. As time went on I learned that there was so much more to our history . Sadly I learned that as I got older and educated myself more.
How did this Celebration Begin
This brings me to my next point, which is why the need for black history month. An African American Historian and Journalist by the name of Carter G. Woodson, along with the support of others, decided that there was so much that was not being taught about the history of African Americans specific to their contributions in America that there had to be a way to address this.
This celebration was begun by Carter G. Woodson as a weekly celebration. He did these celebrations in the month of February because it was around the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. These celebrations eventually expanded to where it is now the whole month of February
Why is History Important
Our history is important because it gives us purpose. It gives us a sense of identity and it also can give us pride. I will use the study of genetics as an example to further illustrate this. When women are pregnant they sometimes give us a test . They ask us many questions. The questions are about the mom (you) and the dad’s family history. If there are any known issues, abnormalities etc.
They ask these questions because based on family history they are able to determine many things. The less you know about your family or the dad’s family (of the baby) the less accurate the results can be. This is what our lack of history can do to us as a people. It can affect/effect the outcome of our lives.
There may be many great gifts that have been passed down to you but you will never know. Every now and then you begin to wonder where did I get this specfic talent from. Mom and Dad didn’t have it but maybe if you knew that your great great great grandfather was ______. That would provide the explanation.
My Personal Reflections
In my opinion. I believe that knowing more about your history, good and bad, allows you to be more aware. It allows you to better understand and gauge your strengths and weaknesses and places you in a position to be more successful. You are not haunted by what ifs. You are better equipped, knowing that you have come from some very strong and resourceful people.
I am very proud to be an African American woman that comes from a not perfect people but had the privilege to grow up with parents who did their best with what they were given by working hard and instilling the value of education. They also taught me to be proud of who I am and grateful for what I have.
I enjoy celebrating all occasions but Black History Month gives me an opportunity to celebrate myself, my community and all that comes with the black experience just a little bit more and so my readers each and every one of you, I invite you to celebrate with us this Black History Month and continue………..Living your Dreams Out Loud
