Monthly celebrations are just reminders to celebrate all year
Start writing a post
Community

Monthly celebrations are just reminders to celebrate all year

We need to pay more attention to groups of color, those disadvantaged by class, gender, and more because their stories are often either stereotyped, misinterpreted, or erased completely.

30
Monthly celebrations are just reminders to celebrate all year
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Since the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others, racial injustice towards Black people especially has been in our everyday consciousness. This has given way to talk about more issues of inequality that affect other groups of color, for example, the heightened attacks against Asian Americans, since the pandemic especially. Issues facing marginalized groups are certainly not a new topic that has plagued this country, but because of the last administration, there has been certain toxicity tied to those who may not agree with actively talking about issues of injustice. It's been tied to a movement of "free speech" when it's in fact intolerance and hate speech. It seems as if one displays qualities of empathy and understanding for others whether they are a part of a certain group or not, it's classified as being "overly emotional" or being a "snowflake" when it really is just a matter of respecting others. So, as we wrap up February, we are reminded yet again to keep the spirit of black history alive past the 28 days of the month through conversation, action, and listening to others. But of course, that makes me wonder if we will continue to have as much discourse as we have been having, or will it fade, only to resurface during another episode of racial injustice?

These months such as black history month to commemorate the countless contributions of black people across the diaspora are appreciated, but it should be standard. I've heard the argument of people saying that there shouldn't be a black history month because there should be an equal counterpart to it (like white history month DESPITE history being regarded as the advancements of eurocentric-Judeo Christian individuals) or that black history should be automatically integrated into history curriculums, not at all separated. I agree that it should be regarded as standard history, but having the distinction is important too, for people to realize exactly how much black people have contributed to the world. We need to pay more attention to groups of color, those disadvantaged by class, gender, and more because their stories are often either stereotyped, misinterpreted, or erased completely. It's the same reason why Columbus day is finally being recognized as indigenous people's day. They were the group negatively affected by Columbus's exploits in a land that wasn't "undiscovered" but in fact inhabited by people who were deemed as lesser than by those who had more money and capital in the world at the time. Therefore, commemorating the day for them is the LEAST we can do to acknowledge their presence and the ancestors that so many groups today have in their family lineage.

There are places that are actively trying to make this happen by making African-American history part of their required curriculum. I hope in the near future we can integrate the history of other groups- LGBTQ people, Asian Americans, Latinx, and more, and simply incorporate their achievements into American history. American history isn't this white heteronormative recollection of events that have been the only contribution to the building of this country- as we know, the country has been primarily built off the backs of slaves, immigrants, and groups of color. I can say that I'm glad that the initiative that the Trump administration proposed of basically promoting American exceptionalism flopped- this is what we're used to anyway. Acknowledging the many flaws American history has had is key in trying to change for the better, to make sure the same atrocities aren't repeated or exacerbated.

In summation, monthly celebrations are simple reminders to always have this history in our consciousness. We don't need only February to remember the efforts of how Filmmakers Oscar Michaux and Maria P. Willams paved the way for black filmmakers, or Marsha P. Johnson was a black trans woman who helped begin the legendary Stonewall uprisings & considered key in starting the rise of the LGBTQ movement. These and many others deserved to be discussed and memorialized as an active part of American history- our history and the history of the diverse world we live in.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51558
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33101
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956081
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181011
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments