In America, we celebrate black history in February.
You may not be aware of the annual debate that partakes when black history month comes around – a controversy that many would rather brush over and ignore, but let’s talk about it because it affects us all. If you think black history is not relevant to you because you are not of black ethnicity, you are mistaken. It is relevant to anyone who is an American.
Many people, African-Americans included, are against celebrating blacks for a month because it separates black history from American history. Why? Giving blacks one month out of the year may be great, but it subliminally whispers a message into the ears of many.
Black history must not be important enough to be part of global history that we acknowledge 12 months out of the year, not one.
Morgan Freeman once said, “You’re going to relegate my history to a month? What do you do with yours? Which month is white history month?”
Black history does not have to be separate from “white history” because we are intertwined. African-Americans are Americans.
The days of segregation may be over, but a concept like black history month continues to segregate the minds of many.
The other side of this controversy lies in the people who suggest the celebration has nothing to do with singling out the blacks. They feel February is just a month to promote black history and encourage people to learn more about those figures who fought for freedom like infamous Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others.
What do you think? Should we honor all races as a whole? This is something to think about, regardless of your stance.