We are more than halfway through Black History Month. According to the Library of Congress, Black History Month has been a federally recognized period of commemoration for Black achievement since 1976. Since its official recognition, many organizations have sought to find ways to celebrate this unique spotlight on the Black experience in America. There are so many dimensions to this experience, and it can be approached in a number of ways.
We often see messages of hope and progress that attest to the possibility of real substantive change in our society. Black History Month serves as a reminder of all the barriers that had to be overcome in order for all sectors of American society to be able to live the ideals of the American dream. But if we truly take a moment to reflect, we quickly realize that the gravity of the disparities in this country cannot be fully addressed through an optimistic passivity on the subjects that truly matter.
While Black History Month is indeed a time to celebrate the achievements and profound contributions to American society that the Black community has and continues to make, it requires a deeper level of engagement from all other communities in the United States as well.
Black people can continue to do the diligent work of telling their often-omitted history and celebrating the distinctive aspects of their culture, but in order to truly have an impact, members of the majority need to take responsibility and commit to being present and advocating for these same stories as well.
Opportunities to take action seem to be at an all-time high. The most important thing to do is just start. Take a look at those reading lists every publication has been compiling. Look through collections of movies that demonstrate the Black experience. Listen to podcasts that delve into current issues impacting the black community. Resources are bountiful. It just takes members of the majority that could easily step away from the conversation committing and recommitting themselves to education and alliance in order for the broader spirit of Black History Month to be realized.