Yes I'm Black, But I Don't Like The Idea Of Black History Month
Start writing a post
Race

Yes I'm Black, But I Don't Like The Idea Of Black History Month

Black history is more than just MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, Barack Obama and other famous names.

343
Yes I'm Black, But I Don't Like The Idea Of Black History Month

Up until my senior year of high school, which seems like forever ago now, I always cared about Black History Month.

I always thought it was interesting and exciting to get to learn about all the people of African descent, who have had a lasting impact on the country and even the world. During my senior year though, I took an African-American history class and it completely changed my perspective on things. Don't get me wrong, I am PROUD to be half African-American, and I embrace it to the fullest, but that entire class taught me that black history is American history. But its more than just American history it's WORLD history too!!

So, if black history is just history in general, why do we only really talk about it during the month of February?

It just seems strange to me that the only time we really hear about black people who have, and are currently, doing amazing things for the greater good during the shortest month of the year.

Also, why is there a black history month and there's no Asian history month? Or Latino history month? What makes black people so different from other minority race groups? Or just other people in general?

Let me tell you, and hear me out on this, nothing.

Now nothing might seem harsh, because of the entire slave trade, the civil rights movement, how black people are still discriminated against and everything else in between. BUT so were, and still are today, other minority groups, whether it's race, religion or something else. Every single group has its own struggles, some way more intense and way more serious than others, but still, none the less every group has faced some challenges and difficulties along the way.

But anyway, back to the point, why do we only talk about it the incredible things people who are African are doing one month of the entire year when the past history impacts the entire world? And the people who are African and doing incredible things now will have a future impact on the entire world. Why don't we talk about black history ALL the time? Why isn't it incorporated into our history books more? Why don't we talk about all the other minority groups and all the great things that they're doing more often?

The idea to me that the only time that we get to hear about black history during 28 short days is mind-blowing to me. I want to have black history all the time because it has been around since the beginning of time. But I don't just want black history, I want ALL history! We as an entire world, from every country, should be learning about each others history's and how the impacted or is currently impacting us. We should get rid of the generic history and start branching off to expand our knowledge and open up our minds more.

If everyone did this, think about how much we could learn and what we could do with what we've learned. Think about how much you don't know about other groups history? Now think about much people don't know about yours? I personally believe that it was interesting to learn more than just what's in our textbooks and that we all need to dig a little deeper and branch off of what is taught to us.

While yes the concept of Black History Month is great, and the fact that people get to learn about it is great...but history is history is history and it should be talked about A LOT more than it currently is.

So let's get rid of this stigma that we can only celebrate and be proud of black history during February. Let's celebrate, and be proud of it all the time from now on. And while we're at it, let's include all the other minority groups as well. Because let's be real Mexicans are NOT being treated and talked about the way they should be right now and a huge part of that comes from President Donald Trump...

We should be teaching and learning everyone's and all history, all the time, and maybe the world will be a more understanding place.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70921
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132495
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments