Unit 3: Black Lives Matter (TG6)

What is Black History Month?

The document under study is a video from USA Today, published in 2021. It deals with the evolution of Black History Month. We have learned that it is celebrated every February in the USA and in Canada. Carter G. Woodson, and African-American teacher, historian and publisher was the founder of the concept, even though, at first he thought that Black History Month would not be useful in the USA as Black history would be already part of American culture. Nevertheless, in February 1926, he put in place “Negro History week” on the second week of this month. At the time, the goals were on one hand, to show the importance of Black people in the history of the USA and that they should be equally treated. He also encouraged schools to have black history in their curricula. On another hand, to increase the visibility of black life and history at a time when the media would portray/ depict anti-black racist imagery.

Later, some activists fought for this week to become a month. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed the first Black History Month. It became official ten years later (signed by Congress).

However, BHM has been controversial because some people think that one month is too short, or that it is not useful anymore, some others even ask for a White History Month or even a Confederate History Month. To conclude, there is an average of 9% of history class spent on Black History. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.