Opinion Editorial by Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Crabb

February is Black History Month — a time to bring attention to the struggles and accomplishments that have affected the African-American community in the past.

During this time, some may ask, “Why do we have a special month set aside for Black History?

The idea for an observance honoring the great contributions of African-Americans started with the establishment of Negro History Week. It was proposed by Carter G. Woodson, a black historian known by many as the father of black history.

As we know, history tends to repeat itself when we fail to learn from our mistakes. This is where Black History Month comes in with an answer to the problem. It can teach us much of what is needed to bridge the gap amid racially constructed communities and gives us all the opportunity to recognize the contributions African-Americans have made to America.

In 1915, Woodson and the Rev. Jesse E. Moorland co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Their goal was to research and bring awareness to the largely ignored, yet crucial role African-Americans played in American and world history. The following year, Woodson published and circulated his findings in The Journal of Negro History. He founded the publication with the hope that it would dismiss popular mistruths. He also hoped to educate African-Americans about their cultural background and inspire them with a sense of pride in their race.

The son of former slaves and the second African-American to receive a degree from Harvard University, Woodson came to understand the value of education.

He also felt the importance of preserving one’s heritage and, with his passionate avocation, the fraternity Omega Psi Phi created Negro History and Literature Week in 1920. In 1926, Woodson moved to change the name to Negro History Week. The month of February was selected for the celebration as a way to honor of the birth of two men whose actions drastically altered the future of African-Americans: Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation was born Feb. 12, and Frederick Douglass, one of the nation’s foremost abolitionists was born Feb. 14.

Woodson died April 3, 1950, but his work continued on with the celebration of Negro History Week which was adopted by cities and organizations across the country. This observance proved especially important during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, a time when the inhumane and unequal treatment of black people in America was being challenged and overturned.
During the black power movement of the 1970s, racial pride and the significance of collective cultural values were emphasized. This prompted the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History to change Negro History Week to Black History Week.
Black History Week became known as Black History Month in 1976.
Black History Month is now recognized and widely celebrated by the entire nation on both academic and commercial levels. The ASALH continues to promote, preserve and research black history and culture year-round. This year’s theme “African-Americans and the Civil War” honors the efforts of people of African descent to destroy slavery and inaugurate universal freedom in the U.S. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contributions to the nation.

I strongly encourage everyone to take an afternoon to attend an observance. It doesn’t have to be about your nationality or background. Observances are open to everyone. We have the benefit of learning and growing through our mistakes. We should not abandon this opportunity to better ourselves. Contact your unit’s equal opportunity representative to learn more.

Crabb is the equal opportunity representative for Combat Logistics Regiment 37.