At a time where the tolerance of ‘differences’ is scarce, perhaps Black History Month (BHM) has added significance.
Racism, bigotry (etc) derives (in part) from ignorance and a lack of understanding. From its inception in 1926 BHM (initially named Negro History Week) it celebrated and reflected the history, culture and society of Black people.
However a hundred years later, and one can argue, BHM has become a token gesture. Fuelled by fervent ‘diversity zealots’ keen on pushing this annual event, it merely fulfils the diversity quota . While BHM does not make money directly, organisations and businesses do-money has a way of diluting any good intentions.
Even Morgan Freeman on 60 Minutes said with much indignation, “you’re going to regulate my history to a month!”
So, with that, itchysilk was totally stoked to get the esteemed and amazing Florence C. Ladd PhD (a former lecturer at Harvard) to answer the question: Has BHM been lost in a sea of gesture tokenism.
In an era when the assertion that Black Lives Matter is threatened, consider the relevance and importance of Black History Month. Observed in many countries, it is a month designated for review, teaching, and celebration of the contributions of Black individuals and organizations to the development and culture of the respective countries.
“What we need is not the history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson proposed Negro History Week, the second week in February, the month in which Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were born. Teaching Negro history, Woodson claimed, was essential to the “physical and intellectual survival” of the race in the United States. In the opinion of Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “Woodson’s creation is as much about today as it is about the past. Experiencing Black History Month every year reminds us that history is not dead or distant from our lives.”
In February 1969, a group of Black students at Kent State University called for the extension of the week to a month of study of Black history. First observed as Black History Month in 1970, it was officially recognized in the United States in 1976, by President Gerald Ford.
In the United Kingdom, the tradition began in 1987, with a celebration at the Commonwealth Institute. Ghanaian-born Akyaaba Addai Sebo, a special projects officer at the Greater London Council (GLC), founded the U.K. version of Black History Month.
In Germany in 1990, some Black citizens in Berlin founded their Black History Month. The Center for Gender and Diversity Research at Tübingen University now offers programs during Black History Month that are based on archival studies of Black life in in Germany.
In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed by the City of Toronto in 1979, and later by the Province of Ontario in 1993.Black History Month in Ireland was initiated in Cork in 2010. This location seems particularly appropriate as, in the 19th century, the city was a leading center of abolition, and the male and female anti-slavery societies welcomed several black abolitionists to lecture there.
In France, Black History Month was first organized in 2018 in Bordeaux.[51] Since then, there have been celebrations in Paris, Le Havre, Guadeloupe, La Rochelle and Bayonne.
The present United States president, with the support of the extreme right, wants to erase Black history,
This year, a century after claiming a period for the observance of Black History, it is highly likely that the tradition will be questioned, challenged, undermined, and perhaps in some states in the U.S., even prohibited.
The current administration in the United States, with directives from Donald Trump, is engaged in the systematic eradication of Black History. At the risk of being diminished or destroyed is the evidence of the contributions of Blacks in the United States to the development of the nation and its culture from the era of slavery to the present.
Trump’s nefarious agenda threatens the preservation of Black History in archives, libraries, and museums. However, in the opinion of historian Robert L. Hall, professor emeritus of Africana and History at North Eastern University, “Black History Month has become institutionalized and no amount of politically driven hostility to Critical Race Theory (CRT) or Diversity, Equality, Inclusion (DEI) is likely to dislodge it.”
This is a moment when it is critically important to remind nations of the constructive relevance of their Black populations to their national histories. The quintessential value of Black Americans to United States history should be recognized. In 2025-26, Black History Month should be permeated with public events, broadcasts, telecasts, pods, and social network messaging, highlighting the contributions of Black people to the national histories of various countries.
The history of African Americans or Black people in the U.S. is essential to understanding the Constitution and character of the United States – past, present, and future. Consider the influence of slavery and the emancipation of slaves on the course of the nation’s history.
In the twentieth century, the social and political progress achieved in the U.S. and abroad by the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders shaped the history of that century. To be sure, the mission of the Black Lives Matter movement will have its place in the history of this century.
There are major historians and prominent public individuals who assert that Black History in the United States cannot be separated from the history of the country and should not be celebrated separately. That is to say, Black History should not be relegated to one month. There should be an awareness of Black History whenever the subject is U.S. history. It is also suggested that the designation of a month to respect Black History only accentuates racial differences and fosters racism. Moreover, the separate celebration of Black History may encourage other racial or religious groups to claim time for recognition of the accomplishments of their ancestors.
“I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history,”
Morgan Freeman said in a public broadcast. Many modern scholars of American history agree and, with deeper research, are revising and expanding accounts of events by including the roles played by Black individuals. Movements and organizations that have supported and defended equal opportunity and justice for Black people have a place in history. Historian Howard Zinn in A People’s History of the United States (1980) considers how major historical episodes are enriched by including the acts of ordinary people with race and social class as relevant factors.
To this text Black History a personal history that is relevant. I was born and grew up in segregated Washington, D.C. I was educated in the city’s segregated public schools by Black teachers. In elementary school, I learned about Negro History Week. During the week, we first grade pupils were introduced to the names and accomplishments of outstanding men who were Black: abolitionist Frederick Douglass, composer Harry T. Burleigh (Burleigh’s daughter-in-law was our teacher), painter Henry O. Tanner .
We sang The Negro National Anthem. In subsequent school years, the list of celebrated individuals expanded and included a few women. Not only during Negro History Week, but throughout my school years, I became increasingly acquainted with the lives and important works of my people. I was starkly aware they received little to no recognition. My parents’ interest in Black History reinforced school lessons and programs. Given my background, my enthusiasm for Black History Month is understandable.
That was long ago and in the United States many changes have occurred: the Civil Rights movement, leadership of Martin Luther King, desegregation of public schools and facilities, the presidency of Barack Obama, and the Black Lives Matter movement: International recognition and support of movements and justice for Blacks has increased.
At the same time, organized opposition against Black life at all levels and in many countries has evolved. Forces are being marshalled to curtail the participation of Blacks in public affairs, reduce educational opportunities, and restrict economic potential.
The winds of injustice from the United States are blowing across both oceans.
A century after claiming a period for the observance of Black History, it is of critical importance to proclaim that many Black organizations, movements, inventions, and individuals have made significant contributions to the advancement of Western nations. Their histories matter now more than ever.
To be sure, the mission of the Black Lives Matter movement will have its place in the history of this century.
The present United States president, with the support of the extreme right, wants to erase Black history, dismantle Black monuments, devalue elected Black officials, discredit institutions that promote achievement of Black people, and diminish the influence of Black people on western culture.
His will must not prevail.
To overcome the current socio-political tendency in the U.S. (and elsewhere), Blacks should draw wisdom and courage from the history of successful rebellions, movements, and demonstrations that have changed conditions.
Black History Month offers an opportunity to amplify the significance of bygone events and individuals; moreover, it is a moment for the elevation of individuals, movements, and organizations destined to make history.
Ask not: “Is Black History Month important?”-in these times, recourse to Black History is essential.
Carter G. Woodson, reflecting on the proposal of Negro History Week, said:
“What we need is not the history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”
A century ago, he voiced what the world needs to strive towards today.
Black History is made in the context of respective national histories. By the end of this century, there may be a radical transformation of geopolitics and redefinition of the Black diaspora.
Imagine the history of the future in 2125 – 26. Will it be a world “void of national bias” and free of racial and religious prejudices?