Is Black History Month Still Relevant In 2024?

By John L. Horton

“We ain’t what we oughta be. We ain’t what we want to be. We ain’t what we gonna be. But, thank God, we ain’t what we was.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

“If you don’t know, now you know …” (Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G., Legendary Rapper)

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It has been said that timing is everything and I was going to let this go – I really was … however, I just got through watching several discussions about the relevance and importance of Black History Month on some of our major networks and news shows. Moreover, there has been intense and controversial debate about the relevance and importance of “Critical Race Theory,”  “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” and other Black education concepts and strategies, especially in our public schools.

Basically, the discussion, pro and con, was whether or not Black History Month is still necessary at this time in American history or has its essence and message run its course? Some have even suggested that the continued celebration and observance of Black History Month causes more harm and divisiveness than goodwill and unity.

I sincerely believe there is still a necessity for Black History Month. I have been a student and teacher of Black history for more than six decades – and still counting. And I say Black history should be taught (and learned) year round. And it should be more inclusive of the common men and women among us who truly deserve such recognition.

Until that happens, I shall continue to support the purpose and mission of Black History Month, for it is honorable and still very much needed. I sincerely believe that it unites most people of goodwill and benevolence.

In the eloquent and profound words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., quoting an old Negro preacher, Black History Month teaches us that “We ain’t what we oughta be. We ain’t what we want to be. We ain’t what we gonna be. But, thank God, we ain’t what we was.”Accordingly, Black History Month is still relevant in 2023 … and beyond … :

Black History Month is necessary because it showcases and highlights certain significant and profound aspects of African-Americans.  Black History Month helps to instill pride, dignity, awareness and understanding among African-American people and other people whom African-Americans must relate to and interact with in everyday life. Moreover, Black History Month dramatizes and tells the story of where African-Americans have been, of where they are now, and hopefully, of where they will be in the future.

Succinctly and saliently, Black History Month affords us an opportunity to reflect back over our pre-American existence and learn about the great African empires of Mali, Songhay, Old Ghana, Kanem-Bornu, Benin, Kush and others.  It informs us of the early Africans who accompanied the European discoverers and explorers to the New World in the 15th and 16th Centuries.  It tells us of the 20-30 enslaved Africans, in late August 1619, who landed at Point Comfort, today’s Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, aboard the English privateer ship, White Lion, who were exchanged for supplies and other commodities.

By highlighting Black History Month, we learn about the many accomplishments and contributions of Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Richard Allen, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, James Derham, John S. Rock, and others, during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Additionally, Black History Month teaches us about the 5,000 slaves and free Blacks who served in the Continental Army and Navy between 1776 and 1781, enabling America to gain her independence. Furthermore, we learn about the Black cowboys, frontiersmen and “Buffalo Soldiers,” who helped to pioneer and settle the Old West during the mid-and late 1800s.

In retrospect, Black History Month allows us to revisit and experience the times, trials and triumphs of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, Marcus Garvey, Walter F. White, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ralph Bunche, A. Philip Randolph, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Whitney Young, Jr., Roy Wilkins, and other names forever enshrined in memory and history. 

Simultaneously, Black History Month introduces us to the hundreds and thousands of African-American athletes, musicians, dancers, writers, composers, architects, inventors, lawyers, educators, politicians, civil rights activists, preachers, entrepreneurs, actors, media personalities, government officials, and important others, who have significant and lasting contributions to all mankind.

Although it is generally understood and realized that Black History Month encompasses only a general outline or brief overview of African-Americans and their history, it is felt, nonetheless, that Black History Month is the mudsill and foundation upon which a more profound, lasting and meaningful relationship and experience can be built. Stated plainly and concisely, Black History Month is the grassroots level; it is the candle which refuses to curse the darkness; it is the flickering spark which will help to light the eternal flame of brotherhood and human understanding. 

Therefore, Black History Month serves a good and honest and just purpose. It is one of the most effective and significant means by which a beautiful and noble people have to express and share themselves with others. It is a vehicle of heritage, culture and pride on a journey of love, understanding and acceptance.  As such, there will always be a time, a place and a need for Black History Month.

To summarize, I quote the legendary rapper, Biggie Smalls: “If you don’t know, now you know …”