Unveiling the Deeper Importance of Black History Month Celebration

In the ongoing journey of recognising and celebrating Black history, numerous significant figures, events, and initiatives have emerged. Here's a snapshot of some of the key moments and individuals that have shaped the narrative.

From the 1920s, Carter G. Woodson, an educator and historian, established a week of observances for Black history. Fast forward to the 1960s, this week-long celebration expanded into a month-long celebration, becoming a more comprehensive tribute to Black history.

One of the most important figures in Black history is Ruby Bridges, a 1950s civil rights activist who bravely desegregated an all-white school in the South. Her courageous act paved the way for future generations.

Historical figures like Sojourner Truth and Madam C.J. Walker, although not as well-known, deserve recognition for their significant contributions. Truth, an abolitionist and women's rights activist, and Walker, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, both made indelible marks in American history.

In the realm of science and technology, Katherine Johnson, Mary W. Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, African-American women mathematicians, gained prominence through their work at NASA. Johnson, a mathematician, played a crucial role in early spaceflights, while Jackson became the first Black female engineer at NASA. Their stories were brought to light through the 2016 movie "Hidden Figures." Dr. Mae Jemison, another trailblazer, was the first African American woman to travel in space, selected for NASA's astronaut training program in 1987.

Local heroes such as Ed Hipp, owner of Ed Hipp Foods in Philadelphia, and Emma Carolyn Chappell, founder and CEO of the United Bank of Philadelphia, have also made their mark in Black history.

Juneteenth, celebrated each June 19 to commemorate Emancipation, is another important event in Black history. The State of New Jersey has declared Juneteenth a state and public holiday.

The importance of educating children about racial activism and social justice has been a focus in recent times. The Today Show, The Atlantic, NPR, and various other media outlets have published articles on the subject.

In the corporate world, initiatives like Creatives for Black Lives, offering pro bono creative services for Black-owned small businesses, and ASI's Diversity and Inclusion Council, aiming to generate awareness of diversity and inclusion, are making strides towards greater equity.

Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI, challenged the audience at the ASI Power Summit in 2012 to hire one minority in the next year. Lucas, a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Council, advocates for systemic fairness and more people of colour in leadership positions in corporate America.

In entertainment, Alicia Keys is featured in a Nickelodeon Special, and Dr. George James is a guest in the same special.

This year, President Joe Biden issued an official statement for Black History Month on Feb. 1, 2021, reiterating the importance of deepening our collective knowledge about Black contributions to national history.

Various museums and cultural institutions across the United States, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Constitution Center, Longwood Gardens, and others, are hosting Black History Month events.

Every American president since the 1970s has issued official proclamations for Black History Month, underscoring its significance and importance in American culture. Dorothy Pitman Hughes from Georgia, a feminist child welfare advocate, and Debbie Allen from Texas, a dancer, choreographer, film producer, singer-songwriter and actress who employs African-Americans in the arts, are two more notable figures in Black history.

As we continue to honour and celebrate Black history, these figures, events, and initiatives serve as a testament to the resilience, courage, and contributions of the Black community in shaping American history.