By: Ella Forsthoffer ’24
The month of February is exciting for many reasons whether it be receiving candy hearts on Valentine’s Day, eating king cake on Mardi Gras or even watching Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day.
Black History Month is also observed in February, although this distinction is sometimes lost due to it being a more difficult topic that carries with it some heavy historical baggage. However, contrary to what some may believe, the purpose of Black History Month is not to dwell on the mistakes our country has made.
Rather, it is a celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. It allows us to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history. For these reasons, Black History Month ought to be approached with just as much joy and enthusiasm as any other major holiday.
The idea to designate a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture was first proposed by Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” in 1926.
Woodson envisioned a weeklong celebration to encourage the coordinated teaching of Black history in public schools. He designated the second week of February as Negro History Week and galvanized fellow historians through the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he founded in 1915.
Instead of placing limitations, the goal was to concentrate and widen the country’s awareness, which gradually led to increased acceptance. By the late 1960s, Negro History Week had evolved into what is now known as Black History Month. Protests around racial inequality and anti-imperialism that were occurring in many parts of the country were pivotal to this change.
The theme 2024 theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts” spanning the many impacts Black Americans have on the visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.
This year, as it is every year across the country, Ursuline Academy has made honoring Black History Month a priority. Ms. Ayala, Director of Community and Inclusion, is organizing many exciting events to engage students in the celebration.
When asked what Ursuline Academy is planning on doing this year Ms. Ayala shared, “I am meeting with leaders from the African American awareness club which is a student led club. Each year they help me to highlight whatever they want me to focus on in terms of black history.
One idea we had for this year was to add to a black Saint display that we started last year.”
Another event from last year that Ms. Ayala plans to build on is when an alumna was invited to share her experience and identity as a young black woman. In describing how she hopes to make the experience even more fulfilling this year Ms. Ayala explained, “I would love to have a panel of different alumna from different generations who can talk with current students about what they wish they would have known when they were in high school and what support they wish they had.”
In addition to revealing what Ursuline will be doing to honor Black History Month, Ms. Ayala explained why it is crucial that we observe the occasion in the first place. “I think in general it’s really important to know our history,” she clarified. It serves us well to know where we have come from as a country.”
She added that she recently watched a documentary about Martin Luther King Jr. and was surprised to find that many of the issues discussed are still relevant today. “We can think well, that’s ancient history, but it’s actually not that long ago. In fact, it was only 50 years ago. When we think of the progress of the country and the tensions that still exist today, I think it is especially important to continue to talk about them, to confront ideas that may not be accurate and to expand our own perspective.”
In a final closing message to Ursuline students about Black History Month Ms. Ayala shared that “It is important to remain open, be reflective, and join the conversation as uncomfortable as it might be for some of us. Just show up and be present.”
In her final remarks regarding Black History Month, Ms. Ayala wanted to share with Ursuline students, “It is important to remain open, be reflective, and join the conversation – even though it might be uncomfortable for some of us. Simply arrive and be in the moment.”
THE BEAR FACTS 