The History Behind Black History Month
by Jovvanta J. Mason, MSE, Central Texas African American Heritage Foundation
What began as Negro History Week in 1926 has since grown into a national celebration of the successes, perseverance, and hopes of black people. The vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of African American Life and History foresaw not the designating of black history to a specific timeframe but the weaving of this history into the mainstream story of America.
Nevertheless, in 1976 Negro History Week expanded into the Black History Month we acknowledge today. Each year during the month of February we recognize leaders, scholars, activists, entertainers, and trailblazers, illuminating the experiences of African Americans across generations.
While such a commemoration is a worthy observance, historians like Dr. Gerald Horne have argued that “a Black History Month that will endure should provide us with guidance as to how to proceed in the 21st century.” This call for a useful history reflects a critical need to assess why we should take on an enterprise such as the study of black history. In recalling our past, we find the lessons that will serve us in the future. Lessons that reveal our full selves, shape our perspectives, and move us forward. The pioneer behind this momentous celebration, Woodson, provides the consequences of not adhering to those lessons, writing that “If you can thereby determine what he will think, you will not have to worry about what he will do. You will not have to tell him to go to the back door. He will go without being told…”
As we embrace this Black History Month reflect on the thoughts and aspirations that we invoke when we study the accomplishments and experiences of African Americans. Will our takeaways aid in the plight of black people or will we continue to lead and be led to the back door?
There is a rich heritage that exists within the stories of African Americans. A heritage that reveals the essence of what America aspires to be. As we celebrate Black History Month explore these stories for all that they are. For it is within these narratives that, to quote Du Bois, “lie buried many things which if read with patience may show the strange meaning of being black”. Embodying the vision of Woodson and others, these things offer evidence of a uniquely American story.
Learn more about the Central Texas African American Heritage Foundation by visiting the CTAAHF on Instagram or Facebook.