By Dara Asante, Staff Writer
During Black History Month, we celebrate incredible individuals from Maya Angelou to George Washington Carver and everything they have done for the Black community and our nation. A lot of the time people think Black history is just about slavery and oppression. While that is part of it, it is also important to look back on celebrating the accomplishments of Black Americans and all they have contributed.
The origin for Black History Month goes back to Carter G Woodson when he decided to start “Negro History Week” established in 1962. Black History Month was started in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. President Ford chose February because the birthday of Fredrick Douglas, one of the most important African Americans in history, is February 14th.
Black History Month helps everyday people learn about the incredible figures in American history they might have never heard of. Everyone has an idol they look up to. Having someone to look up to is significant and everyone has their reasons why they resonate with them. Assistant principal Mr. Penn explains “ I don’t have one particular black person that I look up to. Numerous people have some influence on me like my mom and family.”
Every family has a favorite part of black history month whether it’s taking the time to research more about culture or staying at peace with their blackness. Mrs. Allen says “My favorite part of black history month is that we have the tradition of having the assembly every year at River Hill. People take this time of the year to pay homage to the people who have paved the way for black people in the country and everyone does it differently. Senior Gabby Demuran says “I make sure I spend time to research People who aren’t always known, like everyone knows MLK and Rosa Parks. Everyone knows them because we are learning about them but Claudette Colvin isn’t celebrated.”
Everyone should be able to celebrate black history, black or not, and it should be a time to reflect on history and how we have changed because of it.