Every February, I find myself feeling uneasy as we enter another Black History Month. Why is it that our rich history is confined to just one month—the shortest month at that? The stories we hear and the figures we learn about remain largely the same, and it’s high time we teach our children that Black history is fundamentally American history.
Black History Month serves as a continuous struggle for equality. We often find ourselves absorbing the accomplishments of white Americans, while the contributions of Black Americans are frequently overlooked. The significance of our history and the impact we’ve had on this nation are as crucial as those of any other group. Yet, we are expected to condense centuries of history into just 28 days, which hardly reflects our value in society.
The Repetition of History
As a child, it felt like we were stuck on a loop, learning about the same ten historical figures every February. How many times can we hear about Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Frederick Douglass before it becomes monotonous? While their roles in the discussion around slavery are undeniably vital, they are just a fraction of our vast history. What about the countless enslaved individuals whose stories deserve recognition merely for having existed?
Slavery wasn’t merely a dark chapter in American history; it is a fundamental part of the nation’s narrative. America was built on the labor of enslaved people. The very foundations of this country are rooted in their struggles and sacrifices, yet we only get a month to acknowledge that? It hardly feels equitable.
Beyond the Month
The narrative of Black history extends far beyond the confines of slavery and even Martin Luther King Jr.. While Black History Month is important, wouldn’t it be more beneficial if we didn’t need it at all? It’s disheartening that even in 2021, the history of white Americans remains the default.
When discussing advancements in medicine, wouldn’t it be refreshing to highlight the contributions of Black Americans? For example, Daniel Hale Williams was among the first to perform open-heart surgery, and he did so as a Black doctor during the Reconstruction era—a significant achievement that should be celebrated. Moreover, the medical advancements that have saved countless lives owe a debt to Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were harvested without her consent and continue to aid research today.
This is why it’s crucial to highlight Black stories year-round, not just in February. The contributions of Black Americans are actively shaping American history every day. Trying to condense this vast and rich history into a mere month is an unrealistic endeavor.
Recognizing Contributions
Imagine if, during discussions about the “space race” of the 1960s, we mentioned the names Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughn. If this had happened, the revelations in the film Hidden Figures wouldn’t have been a shock to anyone.
Black contributions to pop culture are similarly immense, and Black History Month simply can’t encapsulate it all. Take the ongoing influence of Black culture in entertainment; many non-Black individuals may not even realize they’re drawing from it. For instance, actor David Schwimmer recently expressed interest in a Black version of Friends. However, such a show already existed—Living Single, which aired on FOX and is often celebrated as superior to its counterpart.
Elvis Presley is often dubbed the “king of rock-n-roll,” but the genre’s roots can be traced to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who deserves recognition for her groundbreaking contributions. Even Elvis’s famous hit “Hound Dog” was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton, a Black woman, in 1953.
Modern Black history is equally significant, influencing our daily lives in countless ways. For example, Billie Eilish’s fashion choices mirror those of Black women from the 1990s, such as TLC. Furthermore, internet slang and phrases often borrowed from Black culture—like “yas queen”—highlight the ongoing appropriation of Black contributions to mainstream culture.
A Vision for the Future
I envision a future where Black History Month is obsolete, where we recognize Black achievement as an essential aspect of American achievement. Black individuals deserve acknowledgment for their integral role in this country’s fabric. It’s insufficient to trot out the same ten historical names every February and feel accomplished. We should be educating ourselves about these figures throughout the year. Familiarize yourself with modern Black history and recognize that Black history is, indeed, American history.
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In summary, it’s crucial to acknowledge the extensive contributions of Black Americans to our society beyond the confines of Black History Month. We must strive to integrate their stories into the broader narrative of American history, recognizing their importance throughout the year.