100 years of Black History Month

This month marks the 100^th anniversary of Black History Month (BHM), which was created by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1926. Each year focuses on a specific theme.  This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the previous 100 years of themes. This gives us an extraordinary opportunity to honor our glorious history while looking ahead to our rich and promising future.

Black History is United States History and Global History. We are a part of the rich fabric of the world we inhabit.  

I am a proud member and officer of the Joesph Taylor Branch (JTB) of ASALH. Within ASALH, we celebrate our rich Black history daily. In February, we place an even deeper emphasis on Black History. February’s observance of BHM gives us an opportunity to reiterate the importance of preserving that history.   

BHM observance remains significant after 100 years, because as bibliophile Arthur A. Schomburg stated, “The American Negro must remake his past in order to make his future.”

History imparts both a lamp and map. A lamp to clearly see past accomplishments and the trailblazers who worked and achieved amazing feats against overwhelming odds. This helps to inspire people, both young and seasoned individuals.

In “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” Rudine Sims Bishop wrote, “Books (or history) are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author.”

In addition to being reflective, BHM gives us a map to outline the future and see the many opportunities that lie ahead. It is important to preserve our history, and teaching is one way of preserving it. This preservation is important in order to have a full understanding of the foundation upon which we were built. It also gives people who are part of the Black Diaspora tools to build a bright future.

Marcus Garvey said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.  For a tree to survive and thrive, the roots system must be strong.

When people do not possess a clear understanding of history, it is easy for others to manipulate, erase and re-engineer that past for their own agenda. When the past is studied, preserved and most importantly shared, everyone in society benefits.  We all benefit because we can build on the truth and forge and brighter future.  

Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power. We have reentered a new period where there is a huge push to make it more difficult to read about Black history and the lived experiences of the members of the Black Diaspora via book banning and the removal of historic elements from museums and public spaces. This is the exact time when Black artists speak, write, create and share. Everyday citizens have a role. We must take it upon ourselves to read, learn, discuss and move to action.   

We have reentered, in some ways, a second Gilded Age, as is espoused by a national political figure. The Gilded Age was characterized by corruption as well as a push to reverse the gains of Reconstruction. We can see that in the push back against diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as attempts to dilute the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  

ASALH JTB is running Black History Saturday School from February until April from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The programs are for youth and adults and you can choose from several locations.

The negative past, if studied, need not be repeated. Our forebearers worked together for common goals and advanced. The most important thing we can learn from those who came before us is holding onto hope.

Even during the darkness of enslavement, a kernel of hope remained. We have made great strides and our history shows that. From hope we move to action. We must be active citizens. Register to vote, get a plan to vote and write and call your representatives. We are the change we seek.  

Nichelle M. Hayes MPA, MLS is a member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the “founders of Black History Month.”