WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH? It is a time to honor the historic leaders of the Black community and highlight the best of Black history. The unpleasant parts of African American culture and communities are frequently discussed, like poverty, jail, high school dropout rates, images of rowdy athletes, and raunchy reality TV personalities modeled as Black success. Therefore, Black History Month allows us to focus on the many positive strides of African-Americans. For instance, African American Women continue to thrive in business and entrepreneurship despite many challenges. These heroes deserve to be celebrated for their bravery and contribution to the Black community. Their sacrifices and suffering played a massive part in achieving racial equality. Other important reasons why we mark and celebrate Black History Month is because: It Helps Create Awareness Unfortunately, Black History is frequently lost in time and current discussions. When we commemorate Black History Month, it gives people of all races the chance to learn about the past and people they are wrong about. This helps to reeducate and eliminate some stereotypes about the Black community. It Reminds Us All That Black History is OUR History People are wrong to dismiss Black History Month since Black History (like Hispanic, Asian, European, and Native History) belongs to all black and white men and women, young and old. The contribution of African Americans to our country is ingrained in our collective memory. When celebrating Black History, we all become mindful of our country’s tremendous and diversified history.
Black History Month started to bring attention to African Americans’ achievements in the United States. Today, it pays tribute to all Black people in the United States, from the earliest enslaved people from Africa in the early 17th century to today’s African Americans. Among the notable figures often highlighted during Black History Month are: • Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the United States • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s • Thurgood Marshall, the first African American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967 • Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American poet and woman to publish a book • Mae Jemison, the first female African American astronaut to travel to space in 1992 • Barack Obama was elected the first-ever African American president of the United States in 2106… …and a host of other key figures from the Black community. Black History Month encourages everyone to focus on and celebrate the greatest of African American achievements.
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