Black History Month is needed now more than ever

Jacquelyn Hurtado/ Staff Writer

Ninety-one years ago in 1926, a historian named Carter Woodson created “Negro History Week” to celebrate the successes of the black community. Since that moment, the successes have only multiplied with each passing year. Unfortunately, some people believe that the celebration of Black History Month hurts race relations and is even insulting to black Americans because all people should be celebrated.

As a Hispanic woman, I believe that Black History Month, like Hispanic Heritage Month, is extremely important. In a country like the U.S. where diversity defines our culture, minorities often feel marginalized because of their differences. Although we know that in a utopia, all people, regardless of their distinct backgrounds, would be celebrated, the sad matter is that this is hardly ever the case.

Minorities, like blacks, Hispanics and even breast cancer survivors who have persevered for so many years in adversity, deserve a month to be recognized and celebrated. Even though diversity should always be celebrated, having an official month designated to a group of people helps remind everyone that these minorities have a right to be in the U.S.

In 2017, the black community was only one community among many that suffered. During President Donald Trump’s presidency, tens of thousands of black DACA enrollees were affected when the program’s termination was announced, according to Pittsburgh Courier.

That is only one of many events that demonstrated the president’s racism, causing 2017 to become a year of separation and opposition.

For many minority groups, their right to be American was taken away from them in just one year.  

Therefore, Black History Month is needed now more than ever. Rather than see Black History Month as a month that separates people, it should be viewed as a time for all people to reflect on how they’ve treated each other and place their differences aside to appreciate the successes of the black community.

In 2018 alone, Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman to win the Cecille B. DeMille Award at the 2018 Golden Globes, and Sterling K. Brown became the first African American to win outstanding male actor in a drama series at the 24th Annual SAG Awards.

This shows how, despite having to endure so much adversity in the past year, the black community is resilient and strong. Like many minorities, they refuse to be pushed down by any opposition.

Everyone, whether they are black or white or any other race, should celebrate Black History Month and look beyond the skin color. We should use the successes of our diverse community to motivate a more tolerant and accepting attitude in 2018.    

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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash.