Black history grows every day with daily achievements. It is a part of American history and should not be limited to one month.
In an interview with “60 Minutes,” actor Morgan Freeman called Black History Month ridiculous.
“I don’t want a black history month,” Freeman said. “Black history is American history,”
Carter Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, designated February as a time to honor African-Americans. He hoped that African-Americans would integrate their contributions to the extent where it could be celebrated year-round.
Black history has made a large impact on American society, yet many of those who contributed to black history aren’t included in most history books. One month is simply not long enough to celebrate all of the African-Americans who helped shape America.
It is clear that African-Americans have made a great contribution to the development of the social, economic and political structures of the United States and the world.
An estimated 350,000 African-Americans served in World War I. Some of the most famous Supreme Court cases are related to black history, such as the Dred Scott decision and Plessy v. Ferguson.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery. The 15th Amendment prohibited any government from denying a citizen the right to vote due to the person’s race, color or previous condition of servitude.
The African-American culture and history continues to influence many aspects of the world.
If it weren’t for African-Americans, the corporate world of America would have absolutely nothing to sell its customers. Many of their products are influenced from African-American culture.
High-end fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabana have been inspired from African-American styles.
Hip-hop is accepted internationally. Originating from African-Americans in New York, the rhythmic music has inspired people in Australia, Japan, Brazil and in many more countries.
Black history is relevant worldwide. The global dimensions of African-American history have reached a high influence in art, music and style.
Students at Florida A&M have thrived in holding events celebrating black history.
Voices Poetry Group has several black history-related performances scheduled throughout the month.
Voices poet Autumn Thomas, a third-year psychology student from St. Petersburg, said she is glad that Voices is in high demand because it means students still value Black History Month.
“I actually think black history should be taught year-round,” Thomas said. “Those that feel it’s irrelevant are ignorant to their own history. Black history is American history.”
One month to celebrate black history has no justice. Black history is a part of America. There is no specific month to honor white history, so why shouldn’t black history be celebrated year-round?