What Black History Month Means to Me

Black History Month is a period in time when we, as black people — or those of African descent, celebrate and honour those of colour who have formed the world into what it is today.

It’s a point where we recognise all those who stood up for their rights as human beings, those who wanted to make a positive change in the world for future generations. As I reflect on Black History Month, I remember stalwarts such as Martin Luther King Jr and his dream about his children living as equals along with all the other African-Americans in the world. I also think of Rosa Parks and how she broke the segregation law, which metamorphosed the way black people are treated today.

These are good memories.

I see Black History Month as a celebration towards the fallen African-Americans who made a change in the world, but I also see it as pity towards us. Pity because even with all the fights for equality, racism is still a major issue in the world today. I also view it as “some” people feeling sorry for what their ancestors put us through and choosing to give us a month to honour those who fought.

Black History Month, to me, is a time in which we honour those who fought for equality in the world.

I think it is a good way to depict what people are able to do once they have that dream and motivation to actually carry it out, until it is fully in action. I believe it also teaches others of the struggles we overcame by acting against it, and that nothing is impossible.