Throughout the month of February, LHS will celebrate the great contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history. Events include an essay contest with a first prize of $50, a spoken word night on Thursday, Feb. 18 and a movie of the week series. We also have daily announcements highlighting great Black Americans, intermingled with “trivia questions of the day.” Finally, the Race and Diversity club will host two discussion forums, one on Feb. 3 and one Feb. 17, on the importance and meaning of Black History Month.
Black History Month is an extension of Negro History Week, established by Carter Woodson, whose intention was to change the conversation of African American history from one simply of suffering and victimization to one of heroism and achievement.
Dr. Woodson’s goal was eventually to have the accomplishments of African Americans fully woven into the American Narrative, in a sense, to make Black History Month unnecessary.
We have come a long way toward that goal. Yet, there is still work do be done. For now, Black History Month is essential to a true understanding of our national identity and an improvement of race relations in America.