Americans have the opportunity to learn about aspects of their country’s history that are ignored and pushed to the background during Black History Month, which commemorates every February.
Black History Month has a rich and diverse history. It is essential to dedicate a month to learning everything we can about Black history because what happened in the past shapes and influences where we are going in the future.
The Black History Month of 2023 has already begun. Do you want to know more about Black History Month? This article deals with everything you want to know.
Before moving on to the history of this particular month, let’s have a look at how the Black History Month of 2023 is going to be celebrated.
Black History Month 2023
Black History Month or African American History Month is commemorated in February. The Black History Month will of 2023 is themed Black Resistance.
The focus of the theme is how African Americans have opposed historical and contemporary tyranny, in all forms, especially racial terrorism.
The Civil Rights movement, sit-ins, boycotts, walkouts, and strikes were just a few examples of the political activity that Black people have engaged in over the years in the struggle for self-determination.
Now, let’s look into more detail about Black History Month and its significance.
What Is The History Behind Black History Month?
Black History Month was followed by the establishment of Negro History Week in the United States in 1926. Negro History Week was declared to be honored during the second week of February by renowned historian Carter G. Woodson.
Since the beginning of this celebration, they initially aimed to promote the teaching of Black American history in educational institutions at the primary level.
The concept of Black History Month in February was first proposed by Black students and educators at Kent State University in 1969. A year later, the first Black History Month celebration took place on the campus and in the neighborhood.
After six years, Black History Month was extensively celebrated across the nation, not just at educational institutions and community centers.
Black History Month was commended by President Gerald Ford in 1976, and he urged all Americans to take advantage of the occasion to celebrate the overlooked contributions of Black Americans in history.
Every American president since Gerald Ford has acknowledged Black History Month and its goal. A few in the nation started to recognize it formally until Congress enacted National Black History Month into law in 1986.
All Americans were made conscious of this struggle for freedom and fair opportunity by the legislation.
Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month began as an attempt to educate school children and young people about the accomplishments of Black and African-American people. Such tales were a neglected aspect of the nation’s history that had mostly been lost.
It is now recognized as a celebration of those whose activity and accomplishments have had a positive impact on not only the nation but the entire world.
People in the US have the chance to connect with Black histories, go beyond discussions of racism and slavery, and recognize Black leaders and successes during the month-long spotlight in February.
Why Is Black History Month Celebrated In February?
The month of February is chosen to celebrate Black History Month because it coincides with the birthdays of both Fredrick Douglass, an abolitionist who tried to put an end to the practice of enslaved people, and former US president Abraham Lincoln.
During the Civil War, which was mostly fought for the enslavement of Black people in the nation, President Lincoln steered and led the United States.
Is Black History Month Just Observed In The United States?
Black History Month in Canada is celebrated in February. It is celebrated in October in countries such as the UK, Netherlands, and Irelands.
In order to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black Canadians, African-Canadian parliamentarian Jean Augustine proposed Black History Month in Canada in 1995. The United Kingdom began celebrating it in 1987.
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What Are The Ways To Celebrate Black History Month?
For the people in the US and Uk, February is a month to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black people to the nation. In February every year, people chose a significant way to celebrate the achievements of Black people.
Here are some ways in which you can honor and learn about the Black people who fought for themselves.
- Donate to Black charities and organizations
Giving money to a charity organization is a significant way to support a movement. Your contribution can aid in funding initiatives as well as the organization’s operating expenses.
- Give Black-Owned Businesses a support
The presence of institutional racism in many Black-owned businesses is a unique challenge to their survival and capacity to meet the needs of their communities. The best way to celebrate Black History Month is by being a customer of these Black-owned businesses.
- Learning about the notable Black figures
Another significant way to celebrate Black History Month is by learning about the notable black figures in history and also about their contributions.
- Attending Black History Month events
In the US and Canada, many organizations and educational institutions conduct events commemorating Blacks in February of every year. So attending such events is another significant way to celebrate Black History Month.
- Visit a museum of Black history
A Black history museum or African American heritage site can be found in almost every state in the US. Visiting one of the museums and learning about history is a way to honor Black figures.
- Reading books and listening to music by Black people
Adding black authors to your reading list and songs by blacks to your playlist, you can celebrate Black History Month.
- Watching Black historical movies and documentaries
You can celebrate or honor Black History Month by watching movies and documentaries related to the history of Blacks and their struggles.
- Utilizing Social media to dive deeper into Black History
Social media platforms today provide us with remarkable collections of articles about Blacks and their history. Making use of these sources is a great way to learn about Black figures which can be considered an honor to them.
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