March 7, 2013
To Be or Not To Be
Is the month of February long enough to celebrate African American history or should it be celebrated throughout the year? Black history was first celebrated in the U.S. on February 12, 1926. It was originally known as “Negro History Week” and then later became known as “Black History Month”. I believe Black History month should continue to be celebrated only on the month of February. There are three reasons for my position black history month is celebrated in the month of February to pay tribute to Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, I also believe that the emphasis shouldn’t be placed on the number of days it is celebrated, and also because other ethnic groups would feel the need to make a change to their ethnic celebration.
Black history month was chosen to be celebrated in February to honor Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Both Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln played key roles in the advancement of African Americans during their lives; and both happened to be born in the month of February. Abraham Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation in 1865 which was a document that freed all slaves during the civil war. Fredrick Douglas was a prominent abolitionists and reformer against slavery. He also served as a symbol that African Americans had the mental capacity to achieve what white men could do, even though the white people believed African Americans couldn’t. Bennette 2
Another reason to why I feel that black history month should not be extended is because the emphasis should not be placed on the number of days it is celebrated. The importance of black history month is to show appreciation to our ancestors who built the nation with their blood, sweat, and tears. The roles that certain African American’s played in the advancement of blacks are also important. This is what should be the focus of black history month, not whether or not it should be extended. By
