The month of February represents Black History Month, a nationwide celebration of the achievements of Black people, and the recognition of their hardships throughout history. Black History Month was officially recognized as a national month under the presidency of Ronald Reagan, after years of previous presidents recognizing February as such. However, the history of Black History Month dates back to 1926 where Carter G. Woodson, the second Black American to earn a PhD following Edward Bouchet, created something similar to Black History Month, but it was a week instead. This was done in an effort to combat racism and oppression during that time.

Woodson felt that it was necessary to use Black peoples’ rich culture and history as a means for standing up to the fight for equality. His passion for history put him in the right shoes for a driven and committed future. His work did not start there, interestingly enough, in 1916, Woodson had also created an organization focused on making Black resources and history available to those who were unaware and looking to learn.

The month of February was chosen to follow through on Woodson’s legacy, who was using the month to commemorate the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It is crucial to understand that this did not appear overnight– people of color have been fighting for this recognition for decades. There were many highly influential people who came before and after Black History Month, living and dying for the cause. The undeniable hard work of Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and thousands more will never go unrecognized or be forgotten.

Dr. Daniel Farina, a member of the Becton community, shares his feelings towards the cause, “It just blows my mind that the Civil Rights Movement ended 50-60 years ago. We are not far from that time period, and I think that for those that took part in protests against Civil Rights, it had to be scary. Anyone who protested for civil rights, especially in the South, was literally putting their lives at risk.”

He also follows up on the work of Martin Luther King Jr., “I think we can learn a great deal from Martin Luther King Jr. today. Here is a man that had every reason to use violence to defend himself when attacked, but he always turned the other cheek and embraced nonviolent protest. Those that go into a struggle where they can face physical harm but refuse to retaliate have a level of self-control that is to be envied. I also think that Martin Luther King Jr. would be a positive guiding voice, when issues that are related to Civil Rights spring up in today’s society.”

It is important not to turn a blind eye to racism when you see it. Despite laws the government has put in place, it is disappointing to see that residents of many places simply have disregard for the cause. Even if you may lose the battle, stand up against casual injustice in everyday life.

All in all, this is a year-long celebration. Nobody’s work should ever be undermined, discredited, or only recognized during one month out of the year. Across America, we value the importance of Black peoples’ accomplishments. Happy Black History Month!

How you can support the Black community alongside standing against racism:

• Visit locally-owned businesses around this area instead of your normal stops. A quick Google search points you in the nearest direction. Here are a few around the area:
  Black Swan Espresso, Newark, NJ
  Christine Joy Design, South Orange, NJ
  Coffee & Cornbread, Belleville, NJ
  The Grind Coffee, Jersey City, NJ
  Artistry By Bonnie, Clifton, NJ
  Izuki Dolls, Montclair, NJ
  LaDi, Saddle Brook, NJ
  Marcus B&P, Newark, NJ
• Listen to Black voices. If they are attesting that they are experiencing an injustice in a space they do not see their white counterparts experiencing, uplift their voice.
• Donate to the Black fundraisers you see that are in need of support.
• Most importantly, be able to recognize and condemn ingrained racism.

Sources:

https://guides.loc.gov/black-history-month-legal-resources/history-and-overview#:~:text=In%201986%2C%20Congress%20passed%20Public,president%20to%20issue%20a%20proclamation
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/knowing-past-opens-door-future-continuing-importance-black-history-month
https://njmom.com/guide/want-to-help-make-a-change-support-these-local-black-owned-businesses/