Is Black History Month still important in 2020?
“Black History Month” is an event that stemmed from “Negro History Week,” which was
the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson as a way to celebrate the achievements
of African Americans and to recognize their central role in American history.
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as “Black History
Month.” In its early days, school systems, churches and community centers across the
country would spend the entire month honoring the accomplishments of notable African
Americans.
Fast forward more than 40 years later and we asked WCU students if “Black History
Month” was still important in 2020. Here’s what they had to say:
Ania Blackwell
Sophomore
Fayetteville
Integrated Health Sciences
Why is Black History Month important? It’s important because it’s part of our culture
today, and also knowing the past so we can get forward. It’s important because we’re
on a predominantly white campus and it’s important to educate people so everybody
knows about the history. I don’t think just African Americans should know about the
history. Everybody should know.
Kristopher Evans
Freshman
Wilmington
Forensic Chemistry
Why is Black History Month important? It gives a look into the culture. Understanding
culture helps understand people better. I think that’s what really needs to happen,
for us to understand each other.
Tim Engel
Junior
Charlotte
Sport Management
Why is Black History Month important? They have a lot of history, with Martin Luther
King, obviously. I just think it’s something that should be recognized and celebrated.
We would watch YouTube videos and clips of Martin Luther King, mostly. We took a day
out of the month to celebrate it.
Jordyn Bredon
Sophomore
Greenville
Emergency Medical Care
Why is Black History important? Our history gets washed out. We don’t learn about
it in school anymore. My siblings don’t really learn about it anymore and they’re
in middle school. It gets washed out by everybody else.
Cullen Kerigan
Sophomore
Raleigh
Business Law
Why is Black History Month important? It shows a different side of history that in
the past has been suppressed. It brings out a lot of pride for a lot of people. It’s
a way to help shine light on racism and discrimination.
Victor Chatman
Senior
Batesville, Arkansas
Sport Management
Why is Black History Month important? I feel like Black History Month is important
to pass knowledge of what people did and went through for us to have the opportunity
we have today. I'm a father of two kids. I want my kids to know what happened in the
past so they will be inspired by an act of courage of what others did to change the
future. I feel like I must pass knowledge to the next generation so they will keep
trying to change the future. I thank God, first and foremost. I feel like the younger
generation isn't learning about Black History Month as much as I did when I was in
school. Knowledge is power and kids should know that about the Black inspirational
people who had that knowledge and use it as power to change the future.
