The calendar turning to February marks the beginning of Black History Month, offering us all the time to reflect on African American history, celebrate Black achievements and acknowledge these central contributions to US history as a whole. We spoke with various Black faculty and staff to get their perspective on what Black History Month means to them. Read on to discover what we learned from the responses of Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara and Kia Hunter.
Note that quotes have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
What does Black History mean to you?
CCP: It means everything. Black history is an opportunity to explore the themes central to humanity: civilization, freedom, and liberty. Africa is the birthplace of humanity and home to the first civilizations. Furthermore, we are currently living in the wake of colonialism and extraction from the African continent. Black history is the history of humanity
KH: Black History is very important to my family and me. It is a celebration of culture and of our ancestors, while remembering their challenges, sacrifices, achievements. It is a time where I am particularly proud of my ancestors’ resilience, effort, and advocacy towards freedom and justice. It is a time where I am thankful for those who paved the way, and honor them by doing my part in moving fiercely forward to meet life’s challenges.
Is there a figure or event in the Black community that is significant or important to you?
KH: While there are plenty of prominent members in the African American community who have made significant contributions toward Black history, I find Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and the late Senator John Lewis to be the most significant to me. Both individuals worked in the background for years before becoming leaders in their own respects. They both made significant strides to improve the lives of disadvantaged people, give voice to the voiceless, and mentor those who came behind them. The late Senator Lewis died trying to make the world a better place, and Secretary Fudge continues that work to this day.
CCP: Reconstruction (1865 – 1877) is one of the most important and least understood historical periods in American history. It was a period of intense conflict over the definition of American citizenship and the nation’s first widespread experience with terrorism in the form of white supremacist organizations. However, the era also produced remarkable, if not enforced, achievements—the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1875.
What can allies and members of the community do to meaningfully celebrate Black History?
CCP: Allies can educate themselves on the history of anti-Blackness as well as social, economic and political race-based discrimination and its legacy. And when they find themselves in positions of power and influence, they must remember how racial inequalities and disparities were historically constructed and act accordingly.
KH: Members of the community can educate themselves on events, culture, history, and achievements of the Black community. There are so many folks who played significant roles in shaping this world, yet are not recognized. Continuing your learning and expanding your knowledge of these individuals is an ongoing experience. In addition, they can lift the Black voice by seeking out and amplifying Black individuals in the spaces and places they may not have access to. Doing so creates a richer inclusive narrative.
What media would you recommend as a resource to learn more about Black history and Black contributions to our society and culture?
KH: Watching any movie or reading any book that will educate you on how black folks and culture have helped shape America would be good to focus on. In addition, I challenge folks to read about the “hidden figures” in the black community that aren’t always recognized for leaving their mark on the world we live in today.
CCP:
- Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution by Eric Foner
- A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross
- Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities by Craig Steven Wilder
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
- Africa’s Great Civilization (PBS 5 part series)