Mural of African American man (Jayden Johnson)
By Jayden Johnson
Black History Month: A Time to Reflect and Celebrate
With February upon us, Americans celebrate various events, including Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, but the month is also an important time to reflect on the contributions of African Americans throughout history during Black History Month.
From the nation’s founding to the present day, African Americans have played key roles in shaping both American society and the world. Figures like Nat Turner, who led slave uprisings, Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for civil rights and equality, stand out as symbols of courage, perseverance, and achievement.
While the month highlights these remarkable individuals, it’s also important to recognize the origins of Black History Month. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the origins trace back to 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson traveled to the University of Chicago to celebrate the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. During his visit, he formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) with A.L. Jackson and three other individuals.
Woodson’s dedication to promoting Black history led him to publish the “Journal of Negro History” in 1916. In the early 1920s, he urged other Black civic organizations to help identify more African American achievements. By 1924, a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity proposed Negro History Week, which was later renamed Negro Achievement Week. Woodson, however, was not satisfied with just a week. He wanted to make a lasting impact, so in 1926, he launched Negro History Week in February. Woodson chose February because of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Not only are their birthdays on February 12th and 14th, but also their contributions to the freedom and advancement of African Americans are significant.
Woodson envisioned a celebration of Black history that extended beyond a week. While the observance grew across the country, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the month during the nation’s bicentennial, fulfilling Woodson’s vision of a nationwide celebration.
Today, Black History Month is an opportunity to honor African Americans’ achievements and reflect on their enduring influence on the nation.
To commemorate Black History Month, members of the Afro-Caribbean Connection Club at 4Cs shared their perspectives. Vice president of the club, Kirits Shakespeare, mentioned how Black people are usually portrayed as slaves in the media. He says, “You have a lot of great Black leaders, but because we’re classified as the minority most of the time they (the media) are seeing us as slaves and workers and things like those.”
The members of the Afro-Caribbean Connection Club will be participating in the Caribbean Explosion event, hosted by Sara-Ann P. Semedo and the 4Cs4U SUCCESS program, on Feb 18 at 5 pm in the Grossman Cafeteria. Althea Adlien-Wilks, advisor of the club, describes it as an event to celebrate Black History Month. Last year, the event’s theme was the origins of Black History Month in America. For this year’s event, they will be focusing on figures such as Marcus Garvey, the Maroons tribe and more. This event will take place on Feb 18 at 5:00 pm in the Grossman Cafeteria.
Caribbean Explosion Event Flier (Jayden Johnson)
