In the United States, the month of February is Black History Month, which celebrates African American history. During Black History Month, people try to remember the countless contributions that African Americans have made. Remembrance takes place at schools, at museums, at libraries, in the media, and elsewhere.
In schools, teachers may spend extra time focusing on literature written by African Americans or on historical events in which African Americans played an important role. Museums might highlight exhibits related to African American history, and libraries may feature books written by African American authors.Television channels might also play movies or documentaries about African American history.
Black History Month was first recognized by the U.S. government in 1976, but the event's history is much longer. Initially, Black History Month was Black History Week. It began in 1926, when the African American, Harvard-educated historian, Carter G. Woodson, first announced the holiday. His goal was to educate the American people about the important contributions that African Americans have made throughout history.
After the first celebration in February 1926, African Americans and European Americans both began to spend more time teaching and talking about African American history. The holiday was an important cultural event long before it was recognized by the government fifty years later.
When the event began in the 1920s, African American history was given almost no attention in schools or by the media. Dedicating a period of time to the study of African American history was meant to fix this problem.
In fact, African American history is completely inseparable from the rest of American history, not just a subject for February. If it weren't for African Americans, the United States today would be a different country. Almost every aspect of American culture has been influenced by African American culture: everything from music to food, from fashion to American English.
American culture is not the only thing influenced by African Americans. African American scientists, politicians, teachers, workers, and soldiers have also had a huge impact on the economy of the United States and its place on the world stage.
Because of the great importance of African American history in American history, it is unfortunate that Americans still must dedicate a month every year to the study of that history. Eventually, African American history should be studied throughout the year, without the need for a reminder.