Since 1976, Black History Month has been the time where we celebrate our Black ancestors and all of their accomplishments that have helped make America what it is today. From February 1st to March 1st, we are able to show our appreciation and support to the people who came before us. As February begins, the people around us begin to talk about Black History and include the topic in any way they can.

“Black History Month, to me, is an opportunity to learn about the history of my culture, and the opportunity for others to learn about a different culture from that of their own. It’s an opportunity to learn how others have contributed to overall American culture,” said Mrs. Robinson, a teacher here at Apopka High. When asked if she ever tries to incorporate Black History into her lesson plans during this month, she says that she always tries to, even if it is just an extra credit opportunity. Although she participates in it, she thinks that some things may get repetitive. “What I don’t like about most schools (or even many teachers) is that they will teach students about the same historical figures repeatedly. Don’t get me wrong, Martin Luther King, Jr. is an integral part of Black History, but Black History is much more than just him, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. I like to teach about other people who are just as important as the aforementioned individuals.” 

There are many ways to participate during Black History Month, from reading books to supporting Black businesses and even listening to music produced by Black Americans. “Some ways I include myself or pay homage to Black History is speaking poems from the greats such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Naomi Long Maddget or even Nikki Giovanni,” said Asaiah, a Sophomore here at Apopka who would like to keep her last name private.

While schools only teach us the basics of our Black ancestors, there is clearly so much more out there than what they have brought to us. With that being said, there are too many people to thank for sacrificing their own lives. Not only did they share a very big message, but also laid a foundation for our children. “There are too many to count who have paved the way for little black boys and girls, but a few are Fredrick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Medgar Evans, Sojourner Truth, Madam CJ Walker, and the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I would love to have the chance to say thank you because they showed us that being brave and strong isn’t just for the present but could change lives in the future. Each of them contributed hope, love, peace, and joy to the Black community showing them that being black will never get any easier but change has yet to come. And when it does, everyone will rejoice and stand together hand in hand.”

After all of the lives that were lost and all of the injustice that was part of 2020, this month is clearly the time to show your neighbor that they are cared for without politics being brought in. While February is the month when we show our appreciation for all the hard work and sacrifices of our Black community, Black History is certainly a topic that should be taught throughout the year.