How Black History Month came to be

Kayla Xiong Vang, Staff writer|February 1, 2021

Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash

Educate yourself about the history and accomplishments of African Americans.

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to the stories, accomplishments, and history of African-Americans.
Time Magazine shared that, in 1915, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland came together and founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). After Woodson found how underrepresented Black people were in history, he decided to change that and started Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” said Woodson. (https://tinyurl.com/y5nohjsg)
After Woodson’s death, the ASALH dedicated their work to keeping his legacy alive. As said by ABC News, “Now, nearly 105 years after its founding, one of the organization’s biggest challenges is keeping people engaged beyond February” (https://tinyurl.com/vazjb7e). The ASALH actively promotes to celebrate Black history year round, but many seem to lose interest after February. Smithsonian makes a point
by saying that, “The great diversity within the Black community needs the glue of the African American past to remind us of not just how far we have traveled but to, how far there is to go” (https://tinyurl.com/y62np83y).
Black History Month represents a multitude of things to people worldwide. “To me, Black History Month is an opportunity to rewrite and reclaim the narrative,” said Victor Armstrong on The National Council (https://tinyurl.com/y4mn5o6g).
“It represents our unity and our continued effort to do better and be better,” said Jewel Antoine on Torch Online (https://tinyurl.com/y6a49cfc).
There are many ways to help celebrate this month and learn more about its history. The NAACP provides a few ways by suggesting supporting Black businesses, donating to Black organizations, exploring Black music, and studying the African Diaspora. Take a part in celebrating this month, and celebrating Black history all year round.