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"White history month" is not officially recognized or celebrated in the United States. However, some people have proposed the idea of having a month dedicated to white history to counterbalance Black History Month, which is celebrated in February each year. This proposal is deeply problematic and harmful to Black History Month, as it seeks to undermine and diminish the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. Black History Month serves as a critical reminder of the systemic injustices and racism faced by Black people in the United States, and creating a white history month would only serve to perpetuate and reinforce these oppressive structures. Additionally, it is important to note that white history has been prioritized and centered in American education and cultural narratives throughout history, making the need for a dedicated white history month unnecessary and inappropriate.
Black History Month is important because it recognizes the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history, who have often been overlooked in mainstream history. It promotes awareness and understanding of black culture and history, which is essential to American identity. Acknowledging the role of black Americans in shaping the nation and honoring their legacy helps promote racial equality and social justice. Black History Month encourages a deeper understanding of the history of race and racism in the US and emphasizes the need for a more just and equal society.
On the left page, the background is the color scheme that represents Black History Month. The colors used are red, green, and yellow, each carrying significance and symbolism in the celebration of Black history.
Red, a color commonly associated with passion, strength, and courage, is used to represent the bloodshed and sacrifices made by Black individuals throughout history in the fight for freedom and equality.
Green, a symbol of growth, renewal, and prosperity, represents the resilience and growth of the Black community despite countless obstacles and systemic oppression.
Yellow, a color associated with optimism, hope, and enlightenment, represents the hope for a brighter future where all individuals are treated equally and with respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
On the right page, the background is filled with headlines that represent significant moments in Black American history. These headlines demonstrate the many struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Black experience in America. Among the historic moments highlighted in the headlines are those that feature prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks. These individuals, along with countless others, played pivotal roles in the fight for racial justice and equality, inspiring generations of activists to continue the work of creating a more just and equitable society. The headlines capture moments in Black history, such as landmark court cases, pivotal protests and demonstrations, and legislative victories. Each headline serves as a reminder of the long and arduous struggle for equality, and the determination and resilience of Black Americans in the face of adversity.
The "I am a man" protest was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, which took place in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. The protest was organized by Black workers who were demanding fair wages, better working conditions, and an end to racial discrimination. The workers wore placards with the words "I am a man" to emphasize their humanity and dignity in the face of racist treatment. The protest grew and drew the support of other civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in Memphis while supporting the protest. The movement continued and eventually led to a resolution of the workers' demands. The "I am a man" protest became a symbol of Black Americans' struggle for equal rights, justice, and dignity, and its legacy continues to inspire those fighting for social justice and human rights today.
Harriet Tubman was a Black American who fought against slavery and helped free around 70 enslaved people through the Underground Railroad. She was also a scout and spy for the Union Army in the American Civil War. Tubman's bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom have made her a crucial figure in American history and a source of inspiration for many.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist who played a vital role in the American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his nonviolent approach to protesting racial inequality and discrimination, including leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. King's tireless efforts to promote racial equality and justice for African Americans helped inspire a generation and brought about significant changes in American society, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His legacy as a symbol of peace, justice, and equality has made him one of the most important and influential figures in American history.
Rosa Parks was a Black American civil rights activist who is best known for her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Her act of resistance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement that lasted over a year and helped to end racial segregation on public transportation. Parks' courage and determination to stand up for her rights and the rights of others have made her an important symbol of the struggle for racial equality and justice. Her actions continue to inspire generations to fight against injustice and discrimination in all its forms.
Barack Obama made history as the first Black American to serve as President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. His election represented a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice, and his presidency brought about significant changes in American society, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Obama's leadership and accomplishments serve as an inspiration for generations of Black Americans, showing that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Desmond-Harris, Jenée. “Why We Don't Have White History Month.” Vox. Vox, February 7, 2017. https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/2/7/14503144/white-history-month-black-history-month-white-pride-nationalism-racism.
Phillips, Steve. “We Get 28 Days for Black History in the US – but Every Month Is White History Month.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, February 20, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/20/ron-desantis-white-history-month-black-history-month-florida.
Humanities, National Endowment for the. “Black History Month.” Black History Month, 2022. https://blackhistorymonth.gov/.
Tedeneke, Alem. “Black History Month: What Is It and Why Do We Need It?” World Economic Forum, January 27, 2022. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/black-history-month-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/.
Sam. “Black History Month Colors: What Are the Colors of the Black Community?” MARCA. Marca, February 1, 2023. https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/2023/02/01/63da3e60268e3ed4078b458b.html.
Gailani, Matthew. “‘I Am a Man’ Dr. King and the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike.” Tennessee State Museum - Nashville Attractions, September 1, 2020. https://tnmuseum.org/junior-curators/posts/i-am-a-man-dr-king-and-the-memphis-sanitation-workers-strike?locale=en_us.
Michals, Debra. “Harriet Tubman Biography.” National Women's History Museum, 2015. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman.
History.com, Editors. “Martin Luther King Jr: Day, Death, Quotes - History.” HISTORY, November 9, 2009. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr.
history.com, editors. “Rosa Parks: Bus Boycott, Civil Rights & Facts - History.” History, November 9, 2009. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks.
WHHA, Editors. “Barack Obama.” WHHA (en-US), n.d.. https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/barack-obama.