The week was selected because it coincides with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, and former United States President Abraham Lincoln. The response to this was overwhelming as Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to teach their pupils, and progressives and philanthropists stepped forward to endorse the effort. In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared February Black History Month to “celebrate the too-often overlooked contributions of Black Americans in every field of effort throughout our history.” This was fifty years after the first celebration. Since then, February has been designated Black History Month in the United States. Initially, Black History Month was intended to educate school children and young people about the accomplishments of African Americans and other minorities because that history had mainly been forgotten. Yet, it became an essential part of the national story. It is now considered a celebration of those who have touched the country and the world with their activism and achievements. The month-long focus in February in the United States is a time for people to connect with Black histories, go beyond racism and slavery, and celebrate Black leaders and achievements. Some critics of Black History Month say that dedicating a whole month to a single race group is unjust. Others argue that we should commemorate Black History every day of the year because setting aside just one month allows people to ignore the past for the remaining 11 months.
323
Powered by FlippingBook