February is the month where the legacy of African American history and culture is widely recognized not only here in the community, but all around the world.
In 1926, the second week in February was dedicated to African American history and culture, and was originally called Negro History Week. Later the entire month was dedicated to be Black History Month.
This year’s Black History Month theme is the crisis in black education. Education was chosen mainly because the lack of education for African American people is a big issue around the world. Carter G. Woodson, who is considered to be the founder of Black History Month said, “If you teach the Negro that he has accomplished as much good as any other race he will aspire to equality and justice without regard to race.”
Each year, the black history month club hosts a celebration where club members can perform poems, reenactments of past events, and discuss issues that deal with this year’s theme. This year it will be held on March 3, and is an opportunity for students to express themselves and the significance of this month to each person.
On the first three Fridays of the month, the recently opened Museum of African American History and Culture, hosts lunchtime celebrations where people can go to learn and understand more of the history and struggle of the education of black people. The celebration also includes special chefs to make food that fits in the history of African Americans.
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most famous to publicly stand up for the rights of African American people, and is said to have set the foundation for black leaders. Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States was the first African American president, and will also be remembered for paving the way for future black politicians and leaders, “I think Obama is really awesome, he inspires people and makes us feel like we all can beat the odds,” freshman Scott Collinson said.
Some of the most famous and respected musicians and actors are African American. Michael Jackson was the most influential black singers of his time, as well as people like Kanye West and Whitney Houston. Musicians and public figures who recently died have created gaps that no other person could fill, Prince and Muhammad Ali are only two of the inspirational people who have left a huge legacy for all. These people are still considered to be some of the greatest today.
“I really like Whitney Houston and her music because it’s really empowering and makes me feel like I can do anything. She was really talented and set a standard for African American musicians,” freshman Jordan Rubin said.
On Feb. 16, Nike will release a black history month shoe collection, making it the eighth collection that began in 2005. It features Lebron James and Kyrie Irving teaming up with Nike. The collection provides financial support to Nike’s Ever Higher Fund, as well as a dedication to MLK. The collection has eight pairs of shoes that support black heritage.

Emily Eichberg

Staff Writer