Written by Natasha Gunion (Features Writer)
Black History Month was started in 1926 by President Gerald Ford. This was created because Gerald Ford wanted to honor all of the hard work that was neglected over the years. Black History Month starts on February second of every year to celebrate and honor African American history and accomplishments. February became Black History Month because Omega Psi Phi wanted to call more attention to it by holding this celebration at the beginning of the year.
Black History Month is not just focused on all the bad events that happened, but the good! Although there is so much respect given to those times, Black History Month is meant to celebrate the good, and give thanks to those who taught us an amazing life lesson during those good times. Some people in the black community who made an amazing impact on our lives are Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Jackie Robinson, Sojourner Truth, and many more.
Rosa Parks began part of the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on the Montgomery Alabama bus in 1955. Once the community found out about this, they invented a movement called the “Montgomery bus boycott”. This led to Rosa losing her job and rights until the U.S supreme court called attention to bus segregation, and she was demanded justice. Rosa helped equality become more of a formality after this situation happened to her.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and shot on April 4th, 1968 due to the color of his skin. He was shot while standing on the balcony of a motel. Martin was known for what he contributed to the civil rights movement in the 1960s. His most known piece of work is his “I have a dream speech” created in 1963. Which was a speech about segregation, equality, and civil rights. He was awarded the Nobel Prize award in 1964.
These two people were very well known for their actions and positive impacts on the world. They made a huge impact on the Civil rights movement as well. Their actions and standing up for what they stand for was also very inspiring and encouraging to kids and people these days.
Some ways that people celebrate this month are by supporting a black business, tracing your family history, visit a history or civil rights museum, or reading a book or listen to a song written by a black artist. These show support, but can also educate you or those around you!
Black history month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge statements and movements people have made concerning the Civil rights movement, segregation, and equal rights. Black history month is focused on the good, and how far we have come with equal rights, but also to honor those who were not treated as they should have been.
The Claw 