For the purpose of this article, I interviewed Katina Andrews. Katina is a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Homeland Security. She hopes to become a police officer, because "police work has always been interesting to me from corrections to the psychological study of why a person commits criminal acts."
1. What is the significance of Black History Month to you?
"Black history month is important to me because eleven months out of the year, the history of my people seems neglected. Black history shouldn't be confined to one month, it should be celebrated throughout the year."
2. If you had to chose one quote that best represented Black History Month, what would it be?
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”—Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut
3. Do you think that Black History Month is highly publicized in our society?
"I don't think that Black History Month is as publicized as it should be. I don't think anyone that I know has actually acknowledged Black History Month as much as they should. It's a very important month where people should celebrate the accomplishments of black people, but I haven't really heard a lot about it. Social media definitely embraces Black History Month more than it ever has. In the wake of our first black president leaving the white house, people have been posting about Barack Obama and his family which is an embrace of the African American culture. I still believe that our culture has always been on the back burner per say."
4. If you were able to meet one historically known African American (past or present), who would it be and why?
"After watching Birth of a Nation, I realized that I would like to meet Nat Turner. Although he went about it the wrong way, he definitely stood up to the oppression that black people went through. The things he had to experience and witnessed definitely caused a psychological impact in his brain. I would love to know more about the rebellion he caused."
5. Are there ways that other races and cultures can celebrate or embrace Black History Month?
"There are several ways that other races can embrace Black History Month or just black culture overall. First, let's stop cultural appropriation. Kylie Jenner with her cornrows and Katy Perry with her "baby hairs" has to stop being seen as if they are the first people to do those hairstyles. The problem I see isn't that these celebrities are doing these things, but it's that fans are promoting it as something that is "new" when it's not. Second, stop saying the n-word. It's not okay whether you change the ending or not. The n-word furthers our oppression. Rappers should stop promoting the use of the n-word. It isn't a loving term of endearment, it isn't just some normal word, and it isn't "cool" to say it. Stop using it. Third, I suggest that other cultures try to embrace black history month by just talking about prominent black people in our society today and from previous generations."
From this interview, I have learned more about the importance of Black History Month and how other races/cultures can celebrate or embrace the importance of Black History Month. Also, I truly think it is important to be aware of this celebration and the importance even if you are not of the same race or culture.
Thank you to Katina for participating.
