Most people say “Black History Month” some say “African American History Month”. Some black people like to be called “African American” and I’m one of those who prefer “Black”, “Mixed”, “African”, or “Haitian”.
For nearly 90 years, February is the month dedicated to black history and culture, when Americans can reminisce on what African American heroes have contributed to make enrich this society.
Icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X paved the way, not just for African-Americans but for other disadvantaged communities. They put their lives on the line, fighting discrimination to make sure all had the right to recieve the same education and the right to vote. They have justly earned the reverence with which we remember them and their efforts to make the world a better place.
Martin Luther King Jr., a pioneer for civil rights, has earned the title of “Our King.” His speech on his dreams about peace between races sparked a new flame, supporting the right that all men are created equal.
In addition to MLK’s crusade for civil rights, Malcolm X, the Muslim minister and human rights activist indicted Caucasians in the harshest terms for their crimes against African Americans.
But have you ever wondered why only one month? Why February? And why the shortest month in the year?
Then again, we can thank Carter G. Woodson for even having a month to ourselves. Woodson he started “Negro Week” on Feb. 12, 1926. His goal was to get African Americans to be more significantly involved in American society. He chose February to acknowledge the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, two men who greatly influenced the African American population.
The week extended into a month, and finally in 1976, it turned into a month for ourselves in recognition of all our African American ancestors.
We need to remember is where we came from — 500 years of slavery, trials, headaches, pain, and tears, and many African Americans have no appreciation of the immense sacrifices. If Martin Luther King Jr. came back today, he’ll probably wave his arms in frustration and ask, “What are you doing?”
It doesn’t make any sense how black people have one of the highest rates in crimes. No wonder we get followed whenever we enter any store; store clerks stare at us like we’re going to steal something.
It has happened so many times that people expect us to mess up in the real world. This affects other African Americans, even those who have no criminal records. It’s not racist; it’s just expected.
  We gave the world a bad impression of African American people and it’s time to change that. “We are all equal.” It’s in the bible, and the constitution. We’re no less than the white man, nor are we greater than the white man, or any other race. We’ve been blessed with freedom; let’s act like we earned it.
Let’s not stop celebrating African American History Month after February 29 but instead, treat every month like it is Black History month. Let’s celebrate with the words of Martin Luther King: “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we’re free at last.”