Feb 26, 2024 3 min read

Celebrate Black achievements year-round

By Janhavi Bhadane

First place, middle school essay

Black History Month was created to recognize African Americans’ contributions to the United States. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the establishment, had many reasons as to why there should be a month associated with Black history. Respect for Black history throughout the entire year, the meaning of being an ally, and why there should not be a separate month for Black history are important aspects of Black Health and Wellness.

Black History should be respected the whole year. It is vital to understand the contributions African Americans made to society and the impact it had on our world today. They have had a major role in American history, and we should continue to acknowledge that year-round. Furthermore, Black history is not only about the civil rights movement and slavery. It is a community with a diverse history that incorporates numerous achievements in areas such as music, art, technology, science, and literature. By appreciating African Americans’ contributions, we are showing respect and gratitude toward their heritage.

Being an ally plays a critical role in the Black community. An ally is someone who actively supports the rights and equality of Black people. They are people who educate themselves on the history of systemic racism and the current events being faced as well. It means to address your own biases and work toward stopping oppression.

Likewise, allies stand up for what they believe in and in all forms of discrimination. Whether they are racist comments or actions, they speak out. Learning from experiences of Black individuals is another role of a true ally. It is essential to support the diversity within the Black community and our world altogether. This is not only for Black men and women, but also those with disabilities.

Black History Month is a month dedicated to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. The intention behind this month is to recognize their actions and impacts on our life today. The real question is: Should this continue? For one thing, dedicating only 28 days to a community that has one of the biggest impacts on our lives is stating that they are less important. Similarly, a separate Black history month can lead to people celebrating it without understanding the true cause, rather than working together to build an inclusive society. A month is barely enough to cover the well-known figures and events. This ignores the complex background of the Black community. By setting aside only a specific month to celebrate, it makes it seem like racism is a thing of the past. How does this affect our goal of moving towards a fair and equal community?

Black history has a long way to go. Realizing the respect and gratitude it should have, the role of a true ally, and why a month of recognition is not enough, is only part of Black health and wellness. Black History Month should be recognized all year. The contributions and sacrifices they have made for our world to be fair is a huge gift. The supporters and allies have been standing up and speaking out for their beliefs. The least we can do is be grateful and celebrate their worth. A month is less than enough to cover the whole history behind the Black community. Understanding the true reason and meaning behind Black history will lead us to an equal and just future.

Janhavi Bhadane is in seventh grade at Canon-McMillan Middle School.