A Month Reserved for Black History Isn't Enough and It Shows | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Featured

A Month Reserved for Black History Isn't Enough and It Shows

You've probably heard "I have a dream" one too many times.

857
A Month Reserved for Black History Isn't Enough and It Shows

February marks the time of the year where we are plagued with the four main contributors to black history: Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. We are told by the media that their contributions to society paved the way for change or a "greater good."

Black History Month is flawed in a few ways.

For one, you cannot confine the entire history of black people to just 28 days. It's not realistic.

Second, we are not taught enough about our black ancestors in academia. You learn about MLK, Jr., for one day and that's it. That's literally it.

Black History Month also doesn't celebrate other contributors to our history and progression, especially the "rebellious" ones. You never hear about the droves of black people assassinated by the government. We're only taught that those people were "radical" and a menace to society. You never hear about Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, or Fred Hampton. These are people that essentially took society by the neck and made black people a force to be reckoned with.

Today, Black History Month is celebrated with widespread marathons of "Baby Boy" and "Friday" on BET. This month does not teach young black kids to love themselves and know their worth. As Black History Month currently stands, this "celebration" is basically saying, "If you achieve this level of success in your life, then maybe, just maybe, your life might mean something as an African-American."

If you don't act a certain way that pleases white people, you're considered an eyesore. Something deplorable. If we truly wanted to celebrate black people, we would wake up and notice the atrocities against us instead of turning a blind eye. Because ignoring does not make it go away. And staying silent says more than words could ever say.

I still don't feel seen nor appreciated as a black person.

In the future, I'd like to see the celebration of black people all year round. The recognition of black men, women, LGBTQI+, sex workers, girls, boys, and everything in between. I want them to know their importance, and how special they are. And I want it to extend past the 28-day mark.

Report this Content
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183552
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10109
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454485
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24495
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments