What does Black History Month serve as?

Black History Month serves as an opportunity to showcase trailblazers in America, limiting Black History Month to the ideas involving the civil rights movement and the fight for equality diminishes the role and importance of Black people in America. The fight for equality spans centuries and continues to be an important fight for Black Americans today. Although figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X are important contributors to Black History Month, they are not the only figures that society should learn, discuss, and be educated on. 

Black History Month is the celebration of the importance of Black America beyond just the civil rights movement or slavery. Black History Month pays homage to a severely underrepresented demographic in America. The misconception that Black history is confined to the fight for equality is exactly why America still needs Black History Month. This should be used as a stepping stone to greater education on Black America now and in the future. 

Every single person in the Black community should not only be treated equally because the law says to but because of the hard work and dedication each person goes into making their history. People should not stop celebrating Black History Month after February ends but continue it every day to teach more and more people about those who were not able to have their voices heard while alive. To keep those who are alive’s voices amplified. To appreciate all of the achievements accomplished throughout history. Every single person big or small, young or old makes their history in America. Black history is American history.