5 Reasons Why We Celebrate Black History Month

February is here, and you know what that means – it’s time to dive into the successes and achievements of the Black community in America! Wondering why we celebrate Black history month? There are so many reasons.

While Black history deserves a spot in regular teachings of history all year round, using the month of February to spread the word, celebrate African Americans, and recognize all they have contributed to making America the place it is today is a great way to spread awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for the Black community.

Black History Month was born over 100 years ago when historian Carter G. Woodson grew tired of the lack of historical documentation surrounding the accomplishments of Black people in the United States. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to change how people experience Black history. By 1926, the group enacted a week-long celebration dedicated to enlightening the masses known as Negro History Week. Before this, Black history was nowhere to be found in school textbooks, and very few people knew anything about it – but that was all about to change. Let’s learn more.

Why Should We Celebrate Black History Month?
Celebrating Black History Month is vital to the overall teachings of American history. The African American community did not just play a small role in the development of today’s United States. They were at the forefront of changes that made American society more diverse and inclusive. Understanding the contributions of the Black community is just one part of what makes Black History Month so important. 

It’s also important to celebrate Black History Month because of the injustices that have occurred towards Black people, some of which continue to this day. Without knowledge of what’s going on, how can people change? Issues that have plagued the Black community, such as systemic racism, continue to harm and warp people’s worldviews on the community and stifle the accomplishments and opportunities of Black people around the country.

Without readily available information, children may be unaware of how vital African Americans are to the United States and what the Black community has done – and will continue to do – to make it the country it is today.

Why Is Black History Month Important In Schools?
Children learning history in schools are only being taught part of the story. No matter how updated textbooks are, many continue to leave out essential and crucial Black history insight that can change how children learn and understand the country's past, present, and possible future.

When learning about history, if a child only gets part of the puzzle, they will grow up having a limited understanding of Black history and what it truly means for the country. The successes, accomplishments, and mistreatment of African Americans are all vital concepts to learn in order to understand how the United States of America was built.

How Do We Honor Black History Month For Kids?
As cliché as it may sound, children are the future. That’s why Black history facts for kids are so important. Honoring the lives of Black Americans who have stood up in the face of adversity and made groundbreaking discoveries paints an accurate picture of America. Today, racism is still rampant, but the next generation of children learning about American history in schools can begin to make fundamental systemic changes that can be passed down through generations. The only way they can do that is by learning important Black History Month facts and seeing how they can use that knowledge to change the course of inclusion and equity.

Let’s break this down into some specific reasons why we celebrate Black History Month, why it’s important for both children and adults, and why learning opportunities like Black History month are more necessary than ever in today’s landscape.

Using The Past To Change The Future
Black people have faced countless difficulties in the United States. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that segregation ended (which, in the grand scheme of things, really wasn’t very long ago). By looking back to the past to see just how dangerous things were for Black citizens, children learning about Black history can see exactly what was wrong with this period in time.

This gives children a chance to reflect on the experiences of those who came before them, and the experiences of themselves and their peers today in a racially charged country. Knowing what has happened, our future leaders will be better informed to ensure it never happens again.

Celebrating Black History Heroes
Children need someone to look up to. It’s crucial for their development and gives them something to aspire to. Representation matters more than ever, and when Black children learn about heroes that came before them, they can see a future for themselves that has all manner of possibility. Children need to see themselves in others to feel as though they’re capable of achieving success that is just as monumental.

Creating Fairness In The United States
It’s no surprise that Black people have had to work harder to achieve the same things as white people in the US. Black History Month aims to shake up the conversation so that the playing field can be levelled in the favor of everyone, not just one racial group. Creating an inclusive and diverse country starts with initiatives like Black History Month.

Black History Isn’t Just Slavery
While slavery is a large part of Black History, it is not the only part. The problem is that American children are often taught about slavery, and the teachings end there. It is crucial to know about slavery and the horrors that African Americans were subjected to during this period, but it’s also essential to learn how these communities overcame adversities on their own merit.

Black people have been kings, queens, inventors – you name it. Many Black people have literally changed the world, and there is so much more to Black history than the bad things that have happened to the collective group.

Enacting Change One Lesson At A Time
Change can only come after learning something new. If people want to see changes in this country regarding the treatment of Black people and the success of the Black community, they need to know how the United States got to where it is today. There is only one way to enact real progress: learning about what should never have happened and what needs to be done moving forward.

Black History Month is a much-needed educational period that can help make positive changes so that the next generation will be better equipped to advance together toward greatness.

 

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