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Today marks the first day of Black History Month, and while it may only be 28 days, let us reflect on each day in remembrance of the leaders who fought for our freedoms. The annual celebration of Black History began in 1926 when Harvard Scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson devoted his life to making “the world see the Negro as a participant rather than as a lay figure in history.” In 1926 Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week, which took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose this date to co-incide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln – two men who had greatly impacted the black population. Over time, Negro History Week evolved into the Black History Month that we know today – a four-week-long celebration of African American History.

So those are the facts. This was the month when we all sat in class intently listening to the “Black History Lesson” because, after months of pilgrims and presidents, we were finally learning a lesson that directly related to us. Those of us who went to predominantly white schools were probably stared at during the lesson, even by the teacher, as our peers waited for us to comment or confirm what was being taught. And as we have grown into YBPs, we are still looked upon to teach, comment, and promote our history because it’s ours. So this month I encourage you not to be bitter about us “only getting one month,” or the fact that other races will look at you this month expecting you to preach about Black History. Instead be proud that we have this opportunity to freely speak from our minds and hearts about what this month means to us. We have HISTORY. History that ranges from the struggles of Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, to the triumphs of Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey. No other race has a history like ours, so be proud, and continue the celebration this month and beyond.

What was the name of the Spanish ship that was captured by Africans bound for slavery in 1839?

Comment your answer and check back tomorrow to see if you were correct!