Enough is Enough Already; Can We Please Stop Celebrating Black History Month

(Previously published on Medium)

So let me cut straight to the chase explaining why I just said what I said.

The ultimate reason why I say “Hell to the no” in response to suggestions, insinuations, arguments, pleas, requests, and recommendations to cease celebrating Black History Month is simple. It winds down to one glaring reality:

“We have not yet overcome.”

Period.

And as the rap duo Tag Team said in their 1993 multi-platinum status song lyrics, of which many of us are familiar, Whoomp! (There it is).

But We’ve Made So Much Progress

Yes. This is true in many ways. We have made progress. And the progress we’ve made is definitely worth celebrating as well as something for which we can be proud of and thankful. But all one has to do is reflect back to January 6, 2021, for a present reminder of how much move overcoming we have to do.

As we all remember. This was the day in our recent history when the US Capitol was violently rioted at the hands of America’s own citizens. The day will forever be yet another reminder of the existing (and every present) civil and racial unrest in America. The unrest has spewed from centuries of unhealed wounds caused by the social constructs of racism and white supremacy.

Even with all the progress we’ve made since the legal enslavement of Africans on American soil. Only ignorance and/or denial (conscious or unconscious) can describe the belief that we’ve made enough progress. Or that we’ve reached the “overcome” status. However, reality tells a different and truer story.

Well, How Long Should We Celebrate?

Well, how long were slavery and segregation legal?

As can be seen in this time graphic. Legal American slavery and segregation spanned over 300 years. And then there was Jim Crow. Sigh.

I don’t know exactly how much longer we need to officially celebrate Black History Month. (Especially since I’m of the persuasion that Black History is a 365 days a year celebration.)

But what I do know is this.

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History founded Negro History Week. The purpose was “To focus attention on black contributions to civilization…”.

Over the years Negro History Week evolved into what we celebrate today. The first Black History Month celebration took place 51 years ago in 1970. Considering this, perhaps Black History Month should be celebrated:

At least as long as legal slavery and segregation were allowed in America. If so, the comparison of years (335 vs 51) would mean we have many more years to officially celebrate Black History Month.

Or, until we truly do overcome.

Whichever comes first.

In the Meantime

I will continue to celebrate Black History Month every single year it shows up on the calendar as well as every day of my Black life. And on that note. In honor of the 2021 year Black History Month Celebration. My posts for the rest of this month will be to highlight the contributions of some of the “unsung” Black History makers both past and present.

Tomorrow I’ll begin by writing about the intellectual visionary and passionate persuader, Pauli Murray. One of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s greatest influences. Have you heard about her? If not, be sure to come back and read about her and many more in the days to come. Happy Black History Month.

Until the next time…

Much Love & Peace,

CarlaDee