BY ANTHONY GADALETA
ELMWOOD PARK – Black History Month has been the subject of celebration and widespread recognition since its inception in 1926 as many African Americans advocated for civil rights to achieve equality. And today it is more relevant than ever.
Throughout generations, pivotal figures have became national heroes and civil rights icons among African American men and women. From Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech to the nation in August 1963 to the literary legacy of Maya Angelou to one of the most legendary TV personalities of our time, Oprah Winfrey.
According to Zinn Education Project, Black History Month began in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, American author, historian, and journalist as Negro History Week that helped citizens of the nation and those abroad further their understanding of African American history and the culture. It aimed to to create a deeper appreciation for the black community.
Then by the time of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, activism for social and economic equality was at its height. According to the History Channel, growing awareness became apparent in protests, marches, especially in major cities across the US in the south as well as on college campuses.
MLK Jr. delivered his famed “I Have A Dream” speech at the center of the civil rights movement to declare his belief for equality for African Americans and all the people in the nation.
Maya Angelou wrote countless novels and fought for equality. One of her most famous quotes, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style,” said Angelou in her poem “Still I Rise” to readers across the nation. She exemplifies her purpose to live a life that will be remembered and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Oprah Winfrey, born into a working class family rose up to become the TV personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist she is to this day for her television show and many discussions on controversial and crucial topics of the current day and age such as racism and women’s rights.
From it’s humble beginnings over generations fighting for equal rights to celebrating its past, present, and future, Black History Month continues to be a holiday of significance, remembrance and praise.
The Voices
Jonathan Edwards, 21, a Ramapo student and communication arts major said, “I believe that black history and representation has gotten better and is more celebrated since back then. Even though we have a long way to go I believe that we can get better as a community and society to not only get black voices heard but to also include all people of color to get everyone their voices heard and represented in our society”.
“Being born in Kenya and raised in the United States, I am proud to be black and I believe that society as a whole should always recognize this month and it’s significance and what it means to be African American,” Salma Ochieng, 20, a resident of Elmwood Park, said. “It’s something I will always hold dear to me & my heritage”.
“If you are fortunate to have opportunity, it is your duty to make sure other people have those opportunities as well”. @KamalaHarris #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2020 pic.twitter.com/3i8ZUtuePE
— Black History Month 2020 (@BhmUK) February 7, 2020
I feel that you told this in your own voice and you did really well making it your own.