By: Tricia Desroches

It is officially February 2022 so it is time for America to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month, also called African American History Month, is a time to remember everything African Americans had to go through to get to where they are today. Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976. The country celebrates Black History Month to honor people like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Malcolm X. 

Before the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Black History Month was “Negro History Week.” African Americans have gone from being seen as property to being treated as respected human beings. Every year, Black History Month is given a theme, and this year’s theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” This theme is a tribute to all of the African Americans who have made significant contributions in the medical field, especially the ones that have helped us through these difficult times with Covid-19.

It is argued that African American History should be taught in schools and that it should be celebrated throughout the year, not just for a month. The United States is not the only country that celebrates Black History Month, as countries like Canada and the United Kingdom also celebrate Black History Month. 

The second week of February was chosen to be “Negro History Week” because it coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays, both of whom heavily participated in making African Americans treated more fairly. Even after they decided to stop celebrating “Negro History Week.” February was chosen for Black History Month because it coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays.