February has long been known as Black History Month, but this February marked the 100th year of Black History commemoration. The month celebrates the being and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history and serves as a reminder of Black excellence.
Black History Month began as Negro History Week exactly
100 years ago when established by historian Carter G. Woodson during the second week of February so it coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
In 1976, the bicentennial anniversary of the United States, president Gerald Ford recognized the celebration and evolved it into Black History Month in order to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.”
“I think just building America too, with them (Enslaved Africans) being enslaved for 400 years, you wouldn’t have America without them,” said Adela Watson ’29.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selects a theme for every year’s Black History Month. This year, the ASALH highlighted a century of Black History commemoration and the transformative impact Black people have had on America.
“Growing up and experiencing life as an African-American taught me to respect and appreciate the work and dedication that specifically my grandparents, and parents (and their generations) put in to survive and prosper, which allowed me to live in a world with less systematic oppression and racism than they experienced,” said Victor Veal, one of the former club moderators for the Black Student Union before it was reinstated last year.
“My ancestors were from Louisiana and that region in the early 1900s was not easy. Their migration west was a big part of what I learned from them… to do what it takes to improve your situation and find success,” he said.
Veal’s words ring true for many in the African American community, who have been known to make the best of their situations and forging their own success.
“I think the most interesting thing about Black culture is the spirit of resistance that runs through it,” said Avishan Peer, Spanish teacher and club moderator for the BSU.
Because of Black Americans’ ability of resistance as Peer mentioned, there is much reason for celebrating their history and contributions to American society. And 2026 marks the 50th year of Black History celebration lasting for an entire month.
Watson empathized that while the focus on Black History Month can be narrow, mostly on famous people, it’s about so much more. “We can be teachers, we can be mentors, artists, everything.”
Even in times when situations look bleak and diversity is thwarted by dissenters, many agree that it is important to remember that diversity, ethnicity, and cultures are celebrated. Veal summarized, “We might not see all things the same way, but if we all wish for health, happiness, and safety for those we love and we start from there, maybe we don’t focus on division and othering so much.”
