“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”
— U.S congresswomen Yvette Clarke
February is a celebration of Black History, but it cannot be the only month out of 12 in which we celebrate black culture, people and experiences. The month has become so capitalized, performative and overlooked over the years and we do not correct repetitive mistakes then we will lose it’s true meaning in no time.
The objective of black history month is to observe, and celebrate African American and black culture and accomplishments. This practice is observed all over the world, in countries such as Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
The origins of Black History Month go all the way back to 1926, when Carter G Woodson decided that Black History had been ignored in America for too long. This is when he first launched ‘Negro History week’, during the second week of February, in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass’ birthdays.
Woodson believed that Black history and culture was vital to the success of America, and it should not be overlooked, but instead celebrated.
We now celebrate Black History Month everyday in February and the legacy of Woodson, and what he sought out to achieve lives on, not only during February but everyday of the year.
In order to foster, inclusive and diverse environments, and for your attempts to resonate with members of the black community it is necessary to acknowledge black history all year round. To simply celebrate black history, people, and culture only in February, comes off as performative,
At West Chicago Community High School, it is important to note that the school has made some efforts in order to celebrate including a black history mural (however it looks almost identical to the mural last year) in front of the commons (set up by GSA), and a playlist featuring black artists that played on February 1 from black artists. The school also features black authors on the announcements daily.
Though this gesture is appreciated and it is a good first step, if you only celebrate black history during February then you are missing the point, performative activism is not activism at all.
