Why Black History Month Matters

"Why do Black Americans need a month? Black History is American History. We should celebrate it every day!" 

This is true. Black History is American History, and we should celebrate it daily. However, the unique historical contributions of Black Americans in America have been neglected consistently since 1619. Black History has been separate because of its omission by historians. 

Black History Month doesn't imply that the acknowledgement of Black History is limited to one month, just like Mother's Day doesn't imply that we must only celebrate our mothers for one day each year. It's just an opportunity to celebrate. 

Black History Month forces people on one level or another to acknowledge that Black History even exists. Otherwise, what reminder would there be? It's not in history books, public education, or in the media. Black History Month is not a solution, but it is a step, an opportunity, a reminder, and it's valuable until we actually see a seamless integration of Black History into American History sources.

Happy Black History Month!