Every February marks the celebration of Black History Month and Change Matrix (CM) is pleased to both observe it and highlight its importance. Originally created by historian Carter G. Woodson and observed as Negro History Week, it coincided with his founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. First celebrated in 1926 on a week that included the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the event caught on and history clubs across the U.S. began to host their own celebrations.
Nearly 100 years later, not only has the week-long celebration come to last the course of February, Woodson’s organization continues on as a nonprofit now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In honor of the great and important contributions of African Americans to U.S. history, CM has decided to highlight the voices of our Black staff members and showcase why Black History Month is important to them.
Tennille Paredes
Black history month to me is like a birthday of Black history. What I mean by that is as a Black woman I try to celebrate the history and culture of my ancestors all year round but during February I get to be extra celebratory because it is the month people are guaranteed to listen. I can state facts and post videos and scream it from the rooftops and during Black History month it is received better because it is the month that’s trending. Hopefully, one day we get to the point where it won’t be necessary [to do this] because it will be incorporated into the core curriculum all year long. But, for now, in February, I’m loving to see the country proudly displaying Black culture and history.
Ghia Kelly
I personally celebrate Black History every month but Black History Month is a time where Blackness is celebrated by acknowledging the beauty, brilliance, and contributions of Black people to American culture and society. The reality is we helped to build this country from our forced enslavement until today. We are more than athletes and musicians — we are also educators, inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, academics, activists, and creatives. I must admit Black History Month is a little bittersweet as well because its celebration is not widespread as it could be. I love the energy and support that is given to the LGBTQ+ community during PRIDE month from individuals, organizations, and businesses, and I hope that one day Black History Month will be just as celebrated.
Tonicia Freeman-Foster, EdD
Black History Month is a time where we as a country can and should pause to increase our awareness of things we enjoy because of the genius of Black individuals and communities. We all still have a lot to learn. As a Black woman, I celebrate Black History 365 days a year. The achievements, unwavering perseverance, joy, strength, and songs of my ancestors, elders, and others before me who fought (and died) to be seen as human beings, are things that I honor and carry with me each day. It gives me hope and strength. Because of them, I am. Because they did, I can. Because they believed in me, I will run with the baton as far as I can.
Chyenne Mallinson
Black people in the U.S. remain both solemnly aware and celebratory of our history year-round. I feel as though Black History Month is more of a time for non-Black folks to take the time to learn about the history and accomplishments of Black Americans that they might not otherwise have outside of February. My hope for the future is that Black people will feel empowered and celebrated by others beyond the monthly recognition.
Christina Davis
Black History Month has been my favorite month since my childhood. I’ve always loved celebrating the historical contributions of Black leaders and reflecting on the hardships that we have overcome. As a Black woman, I often reflect on what my life would have been if I were born in any other time period, and it’s hard to imagine the level of strength, perseverance, and endurance that was required of my ancestors. I now reap the benefits of their sacrifices and it’s a reminder to me every single day of my responsibility to carry their legacy forward and live with the same determination to never give up. It’s not in our DNA to quit.
