American history is composed of several different races, backgrounds, and cultures. One very important part of our history is the African American culture.
For this reason, Black History Month is celebrated annually every February in the United States of America and Canada and every October in the United Kingdom.
Originally, Black History Month was only one week. It was created by Carter G. Woodson, an African-American historian, author, and journalist.
This celebration of African-American history was intended to be the second week of February as “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen in order to commemorate the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Black History Week eventually became more popular and grew to Black History Month due to the recognition given by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in 1969.
Interestingly enough, Black History Month was created in hopes that it would eventually be eliminated and black history would be blended with American history.
Well-known African-American figures such as Morgan Freeman criticize the holiday because he believes it prevents the integration of African-American history. “I don’t want a black history month. Black history is American history,” he told Today in an interview.
Maya Angelou, in an interview with bossip.com, said something along the same lines. “We want to reach a time when there won’t be Black History Month, when black history will be so integrated into American history that we study it along with every other history.”
However, while some argue that black history is a vital part of American history, thus rendering Black History Month unnecessary, others believe that it is necessary to set aside this month in order to ensure that black history is acknowledged.
According to LGBTweekly.com, Charles W. Patmon, Jr. said, “African American History Month is relevant because all Americans need to know the history of our country. For so long African-American triumphs have been ignored in mainstream education. Unfortunately, we have to have a month to highlight these accomplishments. But until we become a society that recognizes and salutes contributions from all people, it is necessary.”
