Stop Celebrating Black History Month

If you know me, or have ever seen me, you know that I am a Black man, and you might be shocked by the title of this article. Or maybe you thought the title was a typo. It’s not and let me explain. 

As a child growing up in Atlanta, I remember my elementary school celebrating Black History Day. Then in high school we celebrated Black History Week. And now we have Black History Month. Seems like progress, right? Keep in mind that the student population in my elementary and high school was 100% African American. Yes, 100%. In an all Black school we were “celebrating” Black History. We relegated our history and the contributions of our people to a day, then a week. That in and of itself is a form on internalized oppression. 

Webster defines celebration as: to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc. We are celebrating my birthday by going out to dinner. The family gathered to celebrate Christmas.

Black History is not an “important event” or an “occasion.” Black history is intertwined and woven into the fabric of American History. Black history is not an addition to American history. The contributions of Black Americans should not be seen as a unique event. While the intent of Black History Month is to honor the contributions of Black Americans, the impact is trivialization. There is no “celebration” that can capture the contributions and experiences of Black Americans to this society. 

Rather than setting aside a time to celebrate Black history, I encourage you to be mindful every day of the year that Black Lives Matter. Black Votes Matter. Black Voices Matter. There’s no need to celebrate it, just validate it. 

Want to do your own development? Consider this Master Class on Black Freedom, History and Love that is being offered for free.