BY: Taniya Frazier
February as we all know is Black History Month. However, February is the most important month from a black person’s point of view. Not many people will believe that, but it’s true. For some, it’s the only month that matters. Throughout the year, black people are given grief for simply being a color. A hairstyle is ‘too black.’ A person’s personality is ‘too black.’ An idea is ‘too black.’ However, in February that doesn’t matter. Black people can boldly and proudly display their culture, background and heritage.
This month, I have attempted to go to many events concerning Black History Month. I have attended student events on AUM’s campus and even visited high schools to participate in their Black History Month programs. I have witnessed a broad range of beautiful black males and females of all ages. I have witnessed their determination, compassion and kindness to the black community. I have witnessed college students helping high schoolers. I have witnessed clubs and organizations on AUM’s campus give back to needed communities. The common thread I’ve witnessed is pride. Pride in our heritage. Pride in being who we are, but of course there is a downside. The downside comes from people who don’t know their own background and culture.
On campus, there were many events discussing Black History Month. On Feb. 6, 2019, Campus Activities Board hosted an “Open Mic” event where all students were encouraged to showcase their talents, feelings and expressions. Students were encouraged to wear all black attire and attendees received traditional kente cloths that they wore in solidarity. The event had multiple students willing to show off their skills and express themselves. In addition, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People hosted a week-long events for Black History Month. On Feb. 10, 2019, NAACP had their first annual Black History Program. The program was a huge success and the community gathered together to make sure that it was a success. On Feb. 12, 2019, the organization held a “Wave Check/Soul Food Tuesday” where students were encouraged to display their hairstyles for a competition. The food and competition was a great portrayal of the black culture. There were a few other events going on around campus, but I would have liked to seen more. I believe events like these should be hosted throughout the year and not confined to one month. A month shouldn’t only depict what type of events are held on campus.
When I was a little girl, Black History Month was one of the most exciting times during school and my community. I would be eager to participate in any play, program or take historic trips around my community. Learning about my ancestors and where I came from was and still is very important. I would feel more connected to my heritage after learning a new fact. Presently, the problem that black people face is that we are forgetting the importance of Black History Month. Not many people will go out of their away to attend an event. Not many people would take some time out of their day to learn about their own culture. Not many people would band together in this time of unity, celebration and enlightenment. Instead, people are more comfortable forgetting their heritage day by day. Instead, people are more involved with black-on-black crime than I’ve ever seen. Instead, people could care less about their own community.
I just want to know where have we, as a people, fallen off. When did it become ‘cool’ or ‘not interesting’ to learn about black history?
I challenge everyone who reads this article to learn about a random fact about black history. Not to impose ideas or beliefs, but for a ground of understanding. Understanding why Black History Month means so much to black people. Understanding why we want to celebrate and lift up the leaders in our heritage. Understanding why we love our culture and ourselves. There is always power in knowledge.