A Deeper Look At Black History Month

In 1925, Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” initiated a groundbreaking revolution.

That year, he established a celebration of what is now known as Black History Month—an annual observance where tribute is paid to the African American heroes of U.S. history and their vast cultural influences on America.   

“There must be a month dedicated fully to the celebration of black cultural impact on America,” Michael Campbell, a junior community group leader and treasurer of the Black Christian Student Association (BCSA), said. “There has publicly been a blind eye turned to black history for  far too long.”   

The BCSA provides a supportive environment for African American students attending Liberty University. The BCSA advocates for the African American student body, educates others about black culture and cultivates diversity through community.  

“Black History Month to me means learning even more about black culture in America,” Stephanie Kee, a junior and president of BCSA, said. “Growing up, it was something the school system never really acknowledged. Yet, it is our greatest reminder to celebrate black history in everything we do — to celebrate the rich black culture that exists in America.”

According to Kee, this year’s celebration of Black History Month has a greater spotlight than it has in recent years.

“This past summer a lot of things happened that kept bringing the light on racial issues that have been going on for decades,” Kee said. “Now, America finds itself in a new-found sense of awareness… people are even more motivated to bring justice to the cause of racism in America.”

Diallo Smith, a senior Resident Shepherd and chaplain for BCSA, described this past summer as an “historical event activating this generation towards minority advocacy.” 

In honor of this month, Liberty has opened the door for this motivational conversation to continue.

“This year specifically, Liberty has made a huge effort in taking the initiative to honor and celebrate Black History Month,” Smith said. “However, so much more needs to be done.”

The BCSA recently wrapped up its black history month education series on Instagram where the leadership council shared the stories of powerful men and women who made history.

“We need a multiethnic movement centered around the heart of God and his diverse people…And we have found that many black students fall in the cracks,” Campbell said. “It brings joy to my heart to see that non-minority students around me want to engage in my culture.”

The first figure featured on their Instagram was Claudette Colvin, an African American civil rights activist who, at the age of 15, refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. She was arrested and became one of the four plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, which ruled that Montgomery’s segregated bus system was unconstitutional. 

Another feature was on African-American professional boxer Joe Louis. From 1934 to 1951, he was widely regarded as the “Brown Bomber,” a nickname which was given to him because of his broad influence on the history of boxing. Louis retired with 66 victories and only three losses, according to BoxRec.  

The posts also featured Bessie Coleman, the first African American and the first Native American female pilot. Her goal was to inspire black women to soar high and reach their dreams. Although her life was tragically ended by a plane accident, her life continues to inspire men and women around the world. 

“These posts bring awareness to people who usually don’t get the spotlight in American history books,” Campbell said. “We do our best to educate, advocate and empower. A lot of that looks like using our social media to educate and having events where we bring awareness to black issues… because there has been less attention paid to them.”

According to Smith, another great way to educate and inform about Black History Month is by supporting local black-owned businesses. In Lynchburg, skincare products and homemade soaps are just a few examples of products made by black entrepreneurs using their platforms to amplify voices. Smith explained that in order for the church to succeed in fulfilling the ministry of the Gospel, Christians must be good stewards of what they know the Bible says about unity in Christ.

“I think we are past the point of ‘what do we do?’ when it comes to racial injustice,” Smith said. “We have to keep doing what we know that we should be doing and should’ve been doing all along.”

Kee pointed to the importance of vocally speaking out on issues of racial injustice. Whether addressing a  friend, a co-worker or an acquaintance, Kee encouraged people to refuse to be silent when it comes to issues of discrimination.

“For any person who is speaking on racial injustice, I would say especially to non-minority students, that those voices are pivotally important,” Kee said. “Whether racial injustice is being inflicted on you or not, we hold a responsibility to speak up about what    is happening.”    

As the year progresses deeper into 2021, the celebration of Black History continues on past the month of February.

“This month is merely a reminder of a conversation that needs to be happening year-round,” Smith said. “That is the whole goal: to constantly educate and help others gain a better knowledge about the issues that are happening.”

Jesse Green is the Asst. Feature Editor. Follow her on Twitter at @jessigreen0.