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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.

Ania Blackwell
Kristopher Evans

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.

Tim Engel
Jordyn Bredon

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.

Cullen Kerigan
Victor Chatman

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.

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