From Resistance to Resilience: Black History Month Reflections
In February The Emphatic Truth sponsored a trip to visit the NMAAHC in Washington, DC. For many visitors it was their first time at the NMAAHC and first time visiting any African American museum. This provided participants the opportunity to explore our vast history, culture, traditions and progress.
For many of the participants on the trip, the experience was transformative. They were able to explore the museum's many exhibits and learn about the contributions of African Americans to the fields of art, music, literature, science, and more. They also gained a greater appreciation for the struggles that African Americans have faced in the past and the progress that has been made towards greater equality, equity and inclusion.
Overall, the trip was an important opportunity for participants to connect with their heritage and learn about the important contributions that African Americans have made to American culture and society. BLACK HISTORY IS WORLD HISTORY. The Emphatic Truth is proud to have sponsored this trip and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that promote greater understanding and appreciation of African American history and culture.
History
Black History Month was created to recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the United States and the world. The history of African Americans in the US is complex and fraught with injustice, discrimination, and oppression. Despite these obstacles, African Americans have made significant contributions to all areas of American society, including science, technology, art, literature, politics, and sports.
Black History Month was first established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Initially called "Negro History Week," it was observed during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, and it has been celebrated in February ever since.
The purpose of Black History Month is to educate people about the experiences and achievements of African Americans throughout history and to promote understanding and respect for their contributions. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. By celebrating Black History Month, we honor the legacy of African Americans and acknowledge the importance of their contributions to our society.
Celebrate Every Day!
Black history should be celebrated throughout the year, not just during Black History Month, for several reasons:
To honor and recognize the ongoing contributions of African Americans to society: Black history is not just a static, historical event that took place in the past. African Americans continue to make significant contributions to all areas of American society, including science, technology, art, literature, politics, and sports. By celebrating Black history throughout the year, we can recognize and honor these ongoing contributions.
To promote diversity and inclusion: Celebrating Black history throughout theyear promotes diversity and inclusion by acknowledging the diverse experiences and perspectives of African Americans. It helps to raise awareness of the challenges that African Americans have faced and continue to face, and can help to promote greater understanding and empathy.
To educate future generations: It is important to educate future generations about Black history and the contributions of African Americans, so that they can better understand and appreciate the complexities of American history and culture. By celebrating Black history throughout the year, we can help to ensure that this knowledge is passed on to future generations.
To promote social justice: Black history is closely tied to the struggle for social justice and civil rights in the United States and abroad . By celebrating Black history throughout the year, we can continue to raise awareness of these issues and work towards greater equality and justice for all.
There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of African Americans. Here are some ideas:
Educate yourself: Read books and watch documentaries about Black history and culture. Learn about the achievements and struggles of famous Black figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, and Barack Obama.
Support Black-owned businesses: Buy from Black-owned businesses and restaurants in your community. This helps to promote economic empowerment and support the Black community.
Attend Black History /Culture events: Look for events in your area that celebrate Black history and culture, such as museum exhibits, concerts, and lectures. View more
Volunteer: Volunteer your time or resources to organizations that support Black communities and causes, such as mentoring programs or civil rights organizations.
Have conversations: Engage in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about Black history and current events. Discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Black community, and how we can all work together to promote equality and justice. Learn More
Learn about local Black history: Research and learn about the Black history of your own community. This can help to deepen your understanding of the contributions and struggles of African Americans and blacks people across the diaspora.
In conclusion, Black History Month is an important time to celebrate the rich history and contributions of African Americans. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice and encourages us to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. However, it is important to remember that Black history should be celebrated throughout the year, not just during February. By recognizing the ongoing contributions of African Americans and promoting diversity and inclusion, we can work towards a better future for all. Let us continue to honor Black history and culture every day and celebrate the achievements of all people no matter where they are in the diaspora.