Black History Month started in 1926 after Carter G. Woodson, the leading scholar of African-American life and history at the time, called the second week of February the “Negro Week.” Black History Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Black Americans. In the United States and Canada, Black History Month is celebrated in February. In the United Kingdom it is celebrated in October. Mr. Woodson’s goal with this celebration was to not only commemorate Black people’s accomplishments, but it was also to show White America and the world how important the Black race is to the founding and history of the United States.
Black History Month is celebrated in multiple ways, depending on who is celebrating. Some schools have plays or watch movies about some major Black historical characters. Nike and other clothing brands even release signature Black History Month Collections.
The new Black Student Union has taken the lead on celebrating Black History at Northwood and hopes that the celebration of Black history will continue all school year. Director of Multicultural Affairs Kelvin Martinez said, “At Northwood, our Black Student Union utilizes film as a means to bring community members together to view and discuss. Recently, BSU sponsored the viewing of Selma, which resulted in a meaningful conversation with members of our community. Next will be PBS film series “The Rise of Jim Crow” and a speech by Dr. King titled “Your Life Blueprint,” one of his rare speeches directed to school-age students. BSU does not intend to restrict this celebration to February, and I am in full agreement with their stand.”
