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WHAT BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEANS AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN MORE THAN A MONTH

The celebration of Black History Month in the United States dates to 1976 when historian Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration known as Negro History Week on Feb 7. Woodson intended the week to be a time to educate the public about Black history and culture. The celebration was officially established as Black History Month on Feb. 10, 1976. The month is used to honor the struggles and successes of African Americans throughout United States history.

While Black History Month technically just lasts a month, recognizing and celebrating Black history is something that can be done throughout the year. Students were interviewed about the topic and were asked questions about the month’s significance and its development and how it can be celebrated.

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“Instead of trying to ignore the history Black people in this country has faced, [Black History Month] gives us a short window to reminisce instead and remember without dwelling on the past,” junior Gloria Lane said. “It’s definitely more significant now than it used to be, but people and companies use it as a way to show they aren’t racist and post campaigns that, instead of highlighting Black History Month, it renews their yearly ‘we aren’t racist sticker’.”

Not only is it important to acknowledge achievements of African Americans in the past, but we, as a society, have to continue to support African Americans today. Lane believes it’s important to recognize Black History Month and celebrate in different ways. “Donate to black charities or support black owned businesses,” Lane states.

“I think the significance of Black History Month is honoring the African Americans who made a difference in the past and honor them today,” Freshman Jaxon Wanza said. “I think a way to celebrate is teaching in the school systems, so people are educated on what people have done in the past, and why this month is so important in history.”

Senior Audrey Cruser suggested improvements HSE can make to the recognition of Black History Month.

“I know we make posters and there are clubs that celebrate [Black History Month] individually, but I think we could do one big event that’s like a pathways period where everyone gets together sort of an atmosphere of a club fair where it’s interesting, supposed to sitting in class and watching a PowerPoint that no one looks at,” senior Audrey Cruser said. “As the world becomes more accepting of everyone, I believe it’s become more valued and more important to celebrate it.”

The three students mentioned above all highlighted the importance of continuing to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month because of how the month’s impact continues to develop.

“I think [Black History Month] is really significant because it tells us what our ancestors have done and tells us things that are important to our culture,” sophomore Lucy Nanista said. “I think it has developed pretty well because schools take a nice focus on it by doing stuff like this, and not just asking students what they think of it.”

Recognizing and celebrating Black History is something that can and should be done year-round. Learning and acknowledging the struggles and triumphs African Americans faced through US history allows society to open its eyes and unify as one. This Black History Month, remember the month’s importance, and celebrate how far society has come. Story by Marley Hayes, Nicole Manthenge and Amber Rivas.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 THEME: BLACK RESISTANCE

Beginning in 1928, each Black History Month has been given a theme designated by the president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The purpose of these themes is to “bring the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” This year’s theme is Black Resistance, defined as protecting and advocating for quality education, and providing Black representation in major forums such as sports and politics. Story by Lauren Kopka.

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