February serves as a significant month to recognize the profound contributions of African Americans to society. This year marks the 100th anniversary of national Black history commemorations, a legacy initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson with the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. His choice of February, which includes the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, was intentional, as both figures played pivotal roles in the fight for emancipation.
Historically, literature and education have often marginalized or misrepresented the achievements of African Americans. Through Woodson’s efforts, a more accurate and comprehensive account of African American history began to take shape. He also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 and launched the Journal of Negro History in 1916. Today, the organization is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which annually announces a national theme. The theme for this year, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites deeper reflection on the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
The commemoration of Black History Month is not merely a time for celebration but a call to action. Robert S. Mikell, a professor emeritus of Africana Studies at California State University, Fresno, emphasizes that learning should extend beyond February. He recalls his experiences growing up in New Orleans during the segregated South under the Jim Crow laws, where access to public libraries was severely restricted for African Americans. Mikell highlights the words of historian John Henrik Clarke: “To control a people, you must first control what they think about themselves and how they regard their history and culture.”
Many educational institutions continue to rely on curricula that predominantly reflect Eurocentric perspectives, often neglecting the rich contributions of diverse cultures. This exclusion can lead to a diminished sense of identity among students, denying them a full understanding of their heritage. Historian John Hope Franklin, author of “From Slavery to Freedom,” pointed out that African Americans cannot solely depend on public schools to provide a comprehensive education about their history. He advocates for a proactive approach where individuals urge educational systems to enhance their curricula.
Incorporating Afrocentric and multicultural perspectives into school curricula has shown promising results. Schools that have adopted these inclusive approaches report improvements in student self-esteem and academic performance. Mikell argues that Black History Month should serve as a launchpad for ongoing education throughout the year, not just a one-time event. He encourages students to engage with literature from African American authors alongside traditional Western texts, suggesting that works by Langston Hughes should be studied alongside those of William Shakespeare.
At a recent event, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast in Fresno, Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, president of California State University, Fresno, shared his experience visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He expressed his astonishment at the wealth of achievements by African Americans and questioned why such contributions were not more widely taught in schools.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Black History Month underscores the importance of recognizing African American contributions throughout the entire year. As the African proverb states, “You are what you make of yourself, and not what others make of you.” This sentiment reflects the need for continued education and celebration of African American culture and history, fostering an inclusive understanding of what it means to be part of America’s diverse narrative.
The reflections and initiatives surrounding Black History Month remind us that the journey toward equality and recognition is ongoing. As we commemorate the past, it is essential to inspire future generations to learn and appreciate the diverse histories that shape our world.
