Hello! In this article, I wrote about Black History Month. Keep reading to find out more about the origins of Black History month and what you can do to show your support. #blackhistorymonth
What is Black History Month?
February is known as Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual observance giving recognition to the achievements of African Americans who fought for equal rights towards colored people. During this month, people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, etc. all took part in equal rights for African Americans. Others such as Barack Obama, the first African American President, Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, Kamala Harris, the first African American woman Vice President all opened up new dreams and aspirations in a world where anyone can be anything they desire. It is important to recognize African Americans who faced adversity and hardships to make the world a better and safer place.
The Origins of Black History Month
Have you ever wondered how Black History Month got started in the first place? The origins of Black History Month started in 1915 after the thirteenth amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Two men, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded ASNLH, which stands for Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The ASNLH was dedicated to promoting recognition to the black men and women who fought for equal rights and made a recognizable (distinguishable) difference in the world. They believed that the world should acknowledge the men and women who fought tirelessly for equal rights. Today, they changed the name to ASALH, which is the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In 1926, the ASALH chose the second week of February to be known as the National Negro History Week. This event inspired many local organizations such as schools and libraries to host public events like performances and shows. A few decades later, after the civil rights movement, many campuses decided to make National Negro Week last the entire month of February. Then, President Gerald Ford made it official for National Negro week to be celebrated for a month, hence the name, Black History Month. Did you know that in some other places such as Ireland, UK, and the Netherlands, people celebrate black history month in October?
How can I celebrate Black History Month?
Listed down below are ways to show your appreciation towards Black History Month.
- Donate some money to a racial justice fundraiser
- Visit a Black History Museum
- Wear yellow, green and red, the colors for black history month
- Make some posters about Black History Month
- Write about Black History month
- Read biographies about black people who stood up for what is right
- Visit Martin Luther King Jr. childhood home
- Listen to Martin Luther Kings ”I have a dream” speech
- Learn about the emancipation proclamation and the Jim Crow Laws