Photo by Natalie Baram

Josi Patti ‘27

EDITOR

As February arrives each year, it serves an important purpose: shedding light on the history of African Americans. This month reminds us to celebrate and honor the many accomplishments of African American figures who have helped shape the strength and power of American society.

Black History Month was first enacted in February 1976. While this annual celebration is relatively recent, it has a longer history. Carter G. Woodson, known as "the father of Black History," advocated for the recognition of African American achievements as early as 1926. Woodson and a group of activists designated the second week of February to honor these accomplishments. Initially called "Negro History Week" after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, the week focused on admiring the achievements of African Americans despite the hardships they faced. This week-long observance later became a month-long celebration when President Gerald Ford expanded it to cover all of February.

Black History Month serves to honor the essential contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history who have had a significant impact on our lives. In light of this, many schools have incorporated education on African American history into their curriculum. However, this inclusion has sparked controversy, as some believe these stories and figures don’t belong in classrooms. Others embrace a diversity-focused curriculum, citing influential figures like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Katherine Johnson, who fought for equality and changed the world.

Black History Month is not just celebrated in the United States; other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, have joined in. Worldwide, museums and exhibits, such as Philadelphia's National Museum of African American History and Culture, showcase the rich history of African Americans and their contributions to global culture.