Black history is not just a topic for the month of Feburary

As we close out the month of February, most notably, Black History Month, it is important to note that continued learning and acknowledgement of Black history does not just end on Feb. 28 (or this year, Feb. 29). It is something that we can integrate into our daily lives, and it is something deserving to recognize and reflect on all year round.

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ALASH) designates a new theme for Black History Month. With this year’s theme titled “African Americans and the Arts,” ALASH shared, “African American art is infused with African, Caribbean and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment.”

Black History Month is an annual celebration started by Carter G. Woodson, also known as the “father of Black history.” Woodson was an American historian, author and journalist who founded ALASH—the oldest and largest historical society established for the study and appreciation of African American history.

Established in 1926, it was celebrated for only the second week of February as it coincided with both the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Fredrick Douglass (Feb. 14). Lincoln played a huge role in the emancipation of slaves and Douglas, a former slave himself, was a notable leader in the abolitionist movement—the fight to end slavery. It was not until 1970 when Black History Month officially became a month-long celebration. Black educators and students at Kent State University proposed that the recognition be extended to a month in February 1969. It was celebrated at Kent State the following year, but it was not until six years later that Black History Month would be celebrated across the country when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976.

Black History Month reminds us to acknowledge the many Black leaders, both past and present, who have made such amazing contributions to areas such as science, innovation, the arts and many more that tend to be overshadowed. When we celebrate Black History Month, it is vital to recognize that we are not just celebrating Black history but American history.

“Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes,” President Barack Obama, the first African American president, said on Feb. 18, 2016, at the annual reception for Black History Month at the White House.

Various clubs and organizations provided opportunities throughout the month for students to attend events that held conversations about race. Leslie Barlow has had a gallery exhibit at the St. John’s Art Center since Jan. 23 and will be open until March 1. There was a Black History Month keynote with Ashley Howard who spoke about the history of racial inequality, specifically in the Midwest. A public reading and conversation was held with Hanif Abdurraqib, a poet and essayist who came and read some of his writing about his life experiences with race. These are just a few of the events that the CSB+SJU organizations put on to educate students and community members.

As Black History Month ends, we encourage you all to continue having these conversations and creating dialogue that goes beyond February.