The Black History Month (BHM) celebration started in 1976, issued by President Gerald Ford. It originally started off as Negro History Week in 1926, innovated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “Father of Black History,” with a deep will for black contributions to be recognized, and for black history to gain its well deserved awareness. President Ford respected and appreciated the tradition, expanding it from a week to a month. There is a deep history of Black History Month, harbouring an essential origin to African-American Heritage. Many historical figures are remembered every time we celebrate BHM. So, to honor that, we decided to interview a special guest— Northwest’s very own Ms. Henry! We hope you enjoy this article! We thank you for taking the time to read it and acknowledge the thoughts of this honoured month!
- Who comes to mind when you hear about BHM?
Ms. Henry: “Malcolm X is one of the first people I think of when I think of Black History Month.”
- What do you think of BHM?
Henry: “It should not be just a month, and while that is cliche to say, the fact is that Black History is American History. As someone who was not born in this country, to come here and see how the history of blacks in America has been dismissed is mind boggling to me.”
- What did you learn recently about BHM?
Ms. Henry: “I’m learning a lot about black female inventors.”
- What is something you would tell others about BHM?
Ms. Henry: “I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing that Black History is the history of the entire country. We hear it all the time, but I am not sure people really understand the impact the Black community has on our society on a national and global scale.”
Black History month is the month of family. It’s the month of honoring struggle. It’s the month to oversee and be aware of the effort put into the fights that they fought for the deserved rights of all African Americans today. Acknowledged by Mrs. Henry, these figures that we all know and love today are great pioneers who have led us to where we are today. Honor the roots of America, and black history month!