In 1915 African Americans Carter Woodson and Jesse Moorland took it upon themselves to honor the African American community for their accomplishments by creating the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Living in a society with a majority-white demographic, this community has experienced a variety of repercussions, not entirely in a good way either. American Society, particularly African Americans, have lived through a history of unethical, often politically motivated attacks that resulted in slavery, discrimination, and even death.
Every year in the United States, the month of February is designated “Black History Month” thanks to the increasing awareness of the black identity. Slowly but surely many college campuses began to recognize this cause, and in 1976 U.S. President Gerald Ford made it official. President Gerald Ford said, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
African Americans have contributed a great amount of achievements throughout American history. Activist like Martin Luther King Jr. paved the way for the civil rights movement to prevail to victory. Ms. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus and stood firm in her beliefs. Kevin Hart is making America laugh like no other. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player known to man. This list could go on and on. So, need I say more?
Trials and tribulations have proven to be the key to African American success stories here in America. It is hard for any white American to put ourselves into the shoes of a slave, or someone who marched down Pennsylvania Avenue fighting for their rights. Often too many times we forget the bigger picture of things and issues. You bet American history has supported policies and reprehensible behavior towards this community. It’s a hard fact to swallow, I know, but it’s the absolute truth.
As a millennial, I take pride in growing up in an America where African Americans no longer have different water fountains, a person can choose to love and marry any person they want, and of course we have our first African-American President. Let me assure you, American policies have shifted, and will continue to shift to reduce the barriers that this community experiences. Let’s face it; a black child in Harlem will experience more discrimination on the streets than a white child in Dallas. American politicians have work to do, and together we can capitalize on these accomplishments by uniting together as one.
In an increasingly polarized nation, our country's politicians may not see eye to eye on everything. In fact, history has clearly proven that. As an American citizen, ask yourself, are you doing your part to unite one another forward? You turn on the news and you overhear African Americans being oppressed by police officers. The Sandra Bland incident is one I will never personally forget. Incidents like that are assurance that racism still exists in America, but we should stop letting mainstream media create a race war between Americans. Not every white police officer acts unethical when situations arise, and not every black person is causing trouble. This is the baseline to these new conversations ravaging present day America. It is time we stand together because most importantly, first we are Americans. As citizens we should ensure our neighbors are taken care of, no matter what the color of their skin may be.
This February, let’s stand with our African American community to honor those that have come before us, and those that will come after us. They are your family, friends, neighbors, doctors, lawyers, police officers, entertainers; this could go on for days. The history of this community is deep, and it is widely known that adversity has not stopped their progression, and life can only go forward. Despite the many differences in this nation, we must first believe we are Americans, because Americans can do anything! We must act as one, and together we will prevail.
