Mom's Minute

February is Black History Month

I believe it is fitting to recognize Black History Month, following the call to serve from Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday in January.  [Black History Month], of course, was celebrated long before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday became a national holiday.  In fact, the second week in February was designated Black History Week back in 1926.   This week was chosen because it was the time period for both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass' birthdays.

It expanded from a week long celebration to a month in 1976 when the government acknowledged the Leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University's initiative to make it a month-long recognition. Black History Month in February has been a month-long celebration ever since.

Black History 2013 Theme as shown by San Antonio College

In my opinion, Black History Month -- as well as other months-- can be recognized just as much to celebrate the human spirit as it is to  learn about the achievements of great African-Americans.  Every day, ordinary people, in their own lives have probably overcome trials and tribulations that are not only to be admired, but also to be shared with others as inspirations to demonstrate the power of the human spirit.

Celebrating the human spirit

That being said, it is worthy to reflect and respect contributions to society of those who came before us, are with us now, and will be contributors not only in the present , but for future years to come.

 Here is a link to an interactive game, entitled "Free at Last?" that shows contributions by great African-Americans.  Once on the site, simply click on the icon of your choice and choose the date you would like to find out who and what was done to further advance our society as a whole.

Source is the BBC website, February 2, 2013.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/hist/freeatlast/timeline/enhanced/