Black History Month

THE HISTORY:

Every year since 1976, the month of February, known as Black History Month, has been dedicated to recognizing the roles and achievements of African Americans in US History and how they have left their mark and impact on communities throughout the United States.

The celebration and recognition of African Americans began in 1915 with a single day of celebration. In 1926, however, an entire week in February, during the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, was recognized. This brought greater awareness into textbooks and offered more education to people around the country. President Gerald Ford was the first president to dedicate the entire month of February to Black History and it has continued ever since. Today Canada, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands have followed in the footsteps of the United States’ in honoring African Americans.

As we honor African American heroes, each year the month has a designated theme. The 2021 focus was "Representation, Identity, and Diversity". This year we focus on "Health and Wellness", with an emphasis on the recent COVID-19 pandemic and how African Americans are often discriminated against in healthcare systems. Unequal access to healthcare and insurance is something the African American community is still struggling with. Opening our eyes to these issues, especially during these critical times, can spark change for the better throughout our nation.

LCC RACIAL EQUITY CLUB:

Here at LCC, the Racial Equity Club works to bring more celebrations of diversity, shine light on injustices, end negative stereotypes, and promote more equality on campus. Senior club member Isabella Leath says future plans and events the club has in store for LCC students and others in recognition of Black History Month include: “working on an educational MavNation segment along with fun activities to help share information about Black History Month. We are also planning on working a lot with E4E (Encinitas 4 Equality) which is an organization in that holds cultural markets, marches, and outlets to dive further into social activism,” said Leath.

The Racial Equity Club also works hard with other members of the LCC community in order to bring students together as one and create a more welcoming environment for all. A collaboration between important groups at LCC is in the works in order to bring the best information and opportunities to LCC students.
“We are working alongside ASB and PALs to have racial equity workshops in order to further educate ourselves to learn how to address specific issues on our campus” states Leath.

Those interested in joining the LCC Racial Equity Club can look further into it through the ASB website. It is an inclusive club that is always looking for new members, specifically students who are motivated and passionate. Isabella Leath expands on why students should consider joining.
“It’s a great opportunity to look into other cultures and work towards being open-minded. It’s an amazing group of students who are all interested in improving our campus for all students,” states Leath.

This February as the country takes the time to recognize, celebrate, and understand Black History Month. It is important that we at LCC do the same.

Works Cited:

“2022 Black History Month, Theme, People, Poems & Quotes.” Chiff.com, www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/black-history-month.htm.

Boatner, Kay. “Black History Month.” History, National Geographic Kids, 2 Mar. 2021, kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month.

History.com Editors. “Black History Month.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Jan. 2010, www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history