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Black History Month
Let’s Celebrate Black History Year-Round
Celebrating Black history for the shortest month of the year does a disservice to all that Black people have done for this country.
Last year was historic for Black Americans in more ways than one. The country elected its first Black VP and Black senator to the Capitol. The coronavirus pandemic disproportionately impacted Black Americans. And Black Lives Matter protest pushed for racial equity and justice that started the necessary conversation of how America can be anti-racist. As Black History Month kicks off, it is now more important than ever to ask why Black history is relegated to the shortest month of the year when there is so much to celebrate and study. It is time for America to make Black history a greater part of US history so that it can be celebrated year-round.
Black History Month is set in February to coincide with Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays on February 12th and 14th, respectively. Widely celebrated since 1970, it has become a time to celebrate and acknowledge the countless contributions that African-Americans have made to this country. However, it is often that Black history is only discussed during this month. Countless organizations wait until February to discuss important…