Black History Month celebrated in, out of schools
Black History Month is celebrated during February.
Black History Month is celebrated by many people globally by celebrating achievements of African-Americans.
This special month celebrated in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Even though this month is celebrated across the globe, it’s not always celebrated in schools.
Black History Month was first named “Negro History Week” in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. It was chosen to be celebrated the second week of February because the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln fell during that week.
Woodson was one of the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This association promoted the achievements and history of African-Americans.
Woodson made sure that the success and accomplishments made by African-Americans didn’t go unnoticed.
President Gerald Ford officially named February “Black History Month” in 1976.
Today, some people participate in activities during this month.
Some people visit museums, art galleries, go to the theater to see plays or celebrate at home.
Ypsilanti Community School District celebrates the month with various activities. The schools often have poetry and art contests pertaining to black history.
Not many schools openly participate in group celebrations or activities when it comes to Black History Month.
I think KHS should participate in (black history) activities, especially in our history classes.
— Nadia Calvert, junior
KHS currently shows motivational Monday videos featuring Kid President about Black History Month. But the majority of the classes in KHS don’t show the videos in their first hour.
KHS could incorporate more creative ideas than just videos to celebrate the month.
Junior Nadia Calvert feels strongly about Black History Month.
“Black History Month is one of my favorite months, and I think KHS should participate in activities, especially in our history classes,” Calvert said.
Celebrating culture, success, and the sacrifices made in black history would benefit KHS.
It’s important to bring attention to this month because it brings together more than just the black community.
Senior Kaylee Hill attends El Bethel Church, where the church annually celebrates Black History Month. The church brings in black people of many different professions, and they speak to the church about their lives and how they got to where they are now.
It’s my history, my culture, and my life.
— Kaylee Hill, senior
Hill is proud to actively participate in this special month.
“It’s my history, my culture, and my life,” Hill said.
It’s important to Hill that she never forgets where she came from, where her ancestors came from, and the struggles they went through in order for the black community can thrive today.
Senior Spencer Wolfe believes Black History Month affects people of all races, not just African-Americans.
“This month is important since it shows the struggles and just the overall history of black people,” Wolfe said. “I think everyone should celebrate and recognize this month because it’s everyone’s history and African-Americans are part of the history no matter what.”
If KHS celebrated this month, the students could benefit from it by feeling more united and more understanding of each other.
KHS could also bring in African-American community leaders and hold assemblies, take part in art and literature contests, plays, and field trips to museums, for example.
Black History Month is a month that celebrates accomplishments that were made in hard times and continue to be made today.
It brings people together and reminds people of strength.
Birthday: February 11, 2000
Extracurricular activities: National Honor Society
Hobbies: Henna art
Plans after high school: Attend college to...
