This generation doesn't care?

Before diving into the different activities and how Philadelphia handles this time of the month to celebrate, I conducted an interview with some of my peers. Here are their responses: 

 What are your opinions on Black History Month (bhm)?

• Nasir Jones: “I think Black History Month is actually a little BS. I find it weird that they decided to dedicate a month only to the history of black month, black power and everything.”

• Andrew Drumwright: “ I think it’s important to teach our generation about our history so that it’s not forgotten.”

Do you feel as though students can really benefit from learning about the history i.e of BHM?

• Jaron Tinsley: “Yes. Yes because I feel like as an oppressed group, like with our history of how like we ourselves have been, have like contributed greatly even if it was against our will to make America what it is, we should be recognized.”

• Aaron Drumwright: “Not really. It’s in the past.”

• Nasir Jones: “ I mean yeah, they can benefit but ... it shouldn’t just be a month. They can be benefiting all year.”

What have you learned about the month?

• Andrew Drumwright: “I’ve learned about multiple civil rights activists. I’ve learned about slavery. I’ve learned about what happened during slavery and the tragedies that occurred during it, and I’ve learned about some of the things that people tried to change...history.”

• Nasir Jones: “ Civil rights leaders, you know, they do their best to teach you everything, you know but they cram it all in a month.”

From the interviews I have learned that although it may be a good learning experience, it won't ever be relevant if the recognition is only for a month.

Here in Philly, where most students are to be African American, the board tries to be more culturally diverse when teaching about the topic. This means that students prefer to learn about the prominent figures in different ways to get a broader perspective instead of learning about the history based on lectures. “Research supports these students’ voices. We know, for example, that greater diversity in the teaching workforce can significantly improve learning for students of all demographic backgrounds.”  In the Philadelphia Inquirer there is an explanation of the  Philly's School Board making this month more effective. They explain how the goal is to give students a broader perspective about African Americans not only in history but in the present. They also want them to learn what they went through and what they have done. 

This applies to the background of Philly itself. There are plenty of sights and museums for students or tourist attractions and learning based places that schools often take advantage of. On the Philadelphia School District page, there is even a page that almost advertises a museum to go to. This is the Board's way of trying to get students on the page in order to learn about Black History Month instead of simply having lectures.

In most ways Black History Month is important to learn, but there shouldn't just be one month to appreciate African American prominent figures. Whether or not you believe this month should be important or beneficial, be thankful for the people who ultimately made America better or tried to.