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What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is an observance of the history of the African diaspora in
a number of countries outside of Africa. Since 1976, it is observed annually in
the United States and Canada in February, while in the United Kingdom it is
observed in October. In the U.S., Black History Month is also referred to as
African-American History Month.
Black History Month was begun as Negro History Week by historian Carter G.
Woodson in 1926. His goal was to educate the American people about AfricanAmerican history, focusing on African Americans’ cultural backgrounds and
reputable achievements.
When Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week, his purpose was for the
history of African Americans to become considered a more significant part of
American history as a whole. According to historian John Hope Franklin,
Woodson “continued to express hope that Negro History Week would outlive
its usefulness”. The purpose of Black History Month is to promote awareness of
African American history to the general public. It is arguable that despite the
opinions of several critics, Black History Month has several advantages, and to
an extent, Woodson’s hopes were realized. During Black History Month,
African American history is taught to thousands of students at the elementary,
high school and university levels respectively. African American history is an
extremely important part of American history, and it is almost impossible to find
an American History textbook that does not include passages about black
history.
2022 – Black Health and Wellness
The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness.
This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical
practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth
workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African
Diaspora.
Why is black history important?
It’s important to remember, acknowledge and celebrate black history! We need
to recall and remember to some degree the trials, the triumphs and the pride of
a people who have not only overcome tremendous odds to survive, but also
pursued and accomplished much with great success, even at overwhelming
costs.
So remember we must. We are strengthened as a nation when we recall and
review our history and our values. Lessons are learned by reflecting on our past,
recalling the good as well as bad times and how we made it through as a
community with a common cause — to survive and prosper. We are strengthened as a city when we share the stories that hold value and significance to us. These stories help to define us; they say what is important to us. We have the responsibility to guard them, nurture them, not to compromise them, and most importantly, to share them.
We are strengthened as individuals when we recall and review our heritage. It
gives us an opportunity to ask questions of ourselves: Who am I as a person?
What am I made of? Where did I come from? What values either from my
immediate or extended family or community have been instilled in me that I can
call upon to stand, to act? What connects me to my inner circle? Are they a
reflection of me, or am I reflecting them? So, how do we remember? We must become more diverse; it is important to set aside time to acknowledge and educate others on the contributions and diverse abilities of people within our city, while at the same time, reminding ourselves of our rich heritage and promising future.
As extended family members and friends move further and further away from
our city, it has become essential to come together to commemorate and celebrate
our personal history before the stories are lost. Establish traditions; create an
environment of remembering and sharing. Take advantage of the technology
available to record the stories and songs, digitize the pictures, and create a true
memory book that can be shared and passed down from generation to
generation. Display something in your home or space that expresses who you
are or reflects your history. Bring out those black and white (or rather beige and
yellow) photographs, mixed-matched china pieces, long-worn war medals and
ribbons. Create traditions, establish times to gather, share the stories and the
songs before they are lost.
It’s important to remember for when the children ask, “What do these things
mean?” we can proudly respond. It’s important to remember because, the eyes
of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our
own time. They are kneeling with hands clasped that we might act…that we
might leave room for remembrance of the life that is destined to come.
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or
concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success
of our beloved city. I can be reached at my city office at (954) 989-2688, Ext.
214; or by email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org, or by mobile phone at:
(954) 329-8990.
