Black History Month was officially recognized 28-29 days a year by President Ford in 1976.
The precursor to Black History Month was Negro History Week, which was started by Carter G. Woodson in 1926.
But I grew up in a house where black history was recognized and celebrated everyday because…I’m black.
Much like the #blacklivesmatter movement, the need for a month to recognize the achievements of Black Americans was directly related to the lack of awareness, acceptance and recognition of Black folks.
If we lived in a society where people’s histories were equally lifted up and people saw leaders of their ethnicity and race in leadership roles, we wouldn’t have to have Black History Month.
But alas, we live in a country that has whitewashed history and virtually erased sides of the story that don’t reflect well on the majority white population.
From Children’s Books
the black history I learned around my dinner table continues to be undervalued and under-taught.
So Happy Black History month.
Maybe we will actually recognize the multifaceted history of this country. Maybe my she-roes and heroes that were an integral part of my formation will become known by others.