Celebrating Black History Beyond February: A Year-Round Commitment
Written on
Chapter 1: Leap Year and the Importance of Black History
The year 2024 brings a unique opportunity—a leap year, granting us one extra day in February. This presents a chance to delve deeper into Black history, a subject that should be recognized throughout the entire year, not confined to a mere 28 days.
As we celebrate, it's crucial to acknowledge that Black history is an integral part of the broader historical narrative, not just an afterthought.
Section 1.1: The Misrepresentation of Black Contributions
Focusing on Black history for only a month reinforces harmful biases that stem from generations of education that have overlooked Black contributions. The reality is that Black individuals have made significant impacts across various fields—science, culture, fashion, music, sports, literature, and justice.
One notable figure is Louis Latimer, a Black inventor who developed and patented the carbon filament for light bulbs, enabling them to be more accessible to the public. While we often hear about Thomas Edison, many are unaware of Latimer’s crucial role.
Despite the recognition of figures like Alexander Graham Bell and the Wright brothers, many groundbreaking Black inventors such as Garrett Morgan, Sarah Boone, and Charles Drew remain obscure. Their innovations range from the refrigerated truck to modern traffic signals and automatic elevator doors.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Broader Understanding of Africa
Africa is a continent rich in culture and history, yet its narrative is often oversimplified. Contrary to stereotypes, only a small fraction of Africa consists of jungles. The continent boasts stunning natural landmarks like Victoria Falls and the picturesque beaches of Mauritius.
We fail to recognize that places like Timbuktu were once thriving centers of commerce and knowledge, housing one of the world's earliest libraries. Similarly, the Library of Alexandria continues to be a symbol of scholarly excellence.
Section 1.2: The Cultural Richness of Africa
Africa's cultural diversity is immense, featuring over 1,500 languages and representing more than 15% of the world's population. Yet, the educational system has largely neglected to teach the complexities and richness of African nations, focusing instead on a narrow view.
Chapter 2: The Need for Comprehensive Education
Understanding the impact of colonization on Africa is essential. Instead of recognizing its historical significance, many view it as a "problem continent." This perspective is shaped by a lack of knowledge about Africa's true size and contributions to global history.
The first video, "28 Days: Moments in Black History LIVE Read-Aloud/Performance with Charles R. Smith Jr.," celebrates key moments in Black history. It provides an engaging way to educate about the rich tapestry of Black experiences.
The second video, "THRILLERS BY BLACK AUTHORS READING VLOG 2024 | yay black history month!" highlights contemporary Black authors and their contributions to literature, reminding us of the importance of diverse voices.
In a world where authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King dominate the literary landscape, we must also uplift Black literary figures such as James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Octavia Butler. Their works have shaped literature in profound ways.
While February is an improvement over previous decades, where recognition was limited to just a week, it still falls short. A mere 29 days is insufficient for a comprehensive understanding of Black history and its significance.
It's imperative that our educational systems embrace a more inclusive curriculum—one that includes the contributions of Black and Brown individuals alongside the achievements of historical figures from all backgrounds.
Ultimately, teaching about Black history is not about diminishing the contributions of others; it's about creating a more accurate and complete historical narrative that honors all voices and experiences.