"The post-holiday blues always hit me hard. After the celebrations wind down, I’m left with a quiet longing for the magic and excitement to return. But just when the sadness starts to settle, I remember: Black History Month is right around the corner, and suddenly, I’m giddy again.
I love Black History Month. I always have. I’ve looked forward to celebrating this powerful month every year since I was a little girl. I’m a Black girl who grew up in a predominantly white suburb. Aside from the “I Have a Dream” speech, Black history was completely untouched in school, and Black History Month was not celebrated—or even acknowledged. And in the ‘90s, there certainly weren’t any retailers honoring the month with decor and products by Black-owned brands. However, in the little world that my mother and I created in our home, Black history was as big as Christmas. We filled our home with music, movies, art, and books that honored our heritage. My mom wanted to make sure that I saw the beauty of being a Black girl, especially since the world outside the walls of our home wasn’t communicating that same message.
As a little girl, I thought Black History Month was just for Black people. Because Black History Month was rarely honored outside of my community, I received the message that our history, heritage, and legacy were insignificant to American history as a whole. Unfortunately, we are still receiving similar messages from society. With sweeping attempts to erase Black history from school curriculums and remove DEI initiatives across federal, corporate, and educational institutions, we are still fighting to prove that Black history is essential to American (and world) history and deserves to be revered. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to honor and celebrate Black History Month. Black history isn’t just Black history—it’s all of our history. When we ignore it, we miss a huge part of the story that shapes our world. A truly just and equitable future starts with acknowledging the full truth of our past.
There is no history without Black history
Black history is history. It isn’t a separate, less significant, afterthought version of history, and honoring it is not reserved just for the Black community. For too long, society has treated the contributions and resilience of Black people as if they never existed—as if the very culture that shapes us today, from the food we cherish to the musical genres that fill our headphones, isn’t rooted in Black culture. As if the wealth that made this nation wasn’t for the labor of enslaved Black persons. And, as if many of the industrial and technological advancements America championed could exist without the often uncredited genius and labor of Black people.
Much of the beauty, joy, and advancement of our modern society is due to the tenacity and grit of the Black community. Most of the civil rights we have access to, which many of us take for granted, were secured because of the determination of Black civil rights leaders to fight for an equitable world for us all. Every sector of our culture (fashion, beauty, cuisine, sports, film and television, language, dance, art, and tech and innovation) has deep roots in Black culture.
“Every sector of our culture (fashion, beauty, cuisine, sports, film and television, language, dance, art, and tech and innovation) has deep roots in Black culture.”
That Southern comfort food that reminds you of grandma’s house originated from enslaved Black chefs and cooks who created flavorful, resourceful dishes from limited rations—recipes that have become staples of American cuisine. Fashion and beauty trends such as large gold hoop earrings and intricate nail designs originated in Black hip-hop culture, where self-expression through style has always been a form of resilience and artistry. Legendary Black athletes, such as LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Simone Biles, have transcended American sports—from setting world records to influencing bold sports fashion trends to redefining modern sports activism by using their platforms to speak out against injustice. And much of the common slang (such as “lit,” “slay,” and “go off”) that you may think is just “Gen Z” lingo or TikTok culture actually comes from African American Vernacular English, a linguistic tradition with deep historical roots.
Taking the month of February and beyond to recognize, respect, and honor the Black history that has shaped us not only communicates the refusal to allow the erasure of this history but continues the imperative work of breaking down racial barriers and stereotypes that have long perpetuated injustice and inequality.
Black history teaches us about resilience and resistance
When and if Black history is taught, it is often taught from a traumatic, pain-centered lens that focuses on the plight of Black Americans more than victory, joy, and resilience. When Black history is either erased or ignored, it allows for a false narrative of the Black community to be written. The history of Black Americans is just as rich, complex, and stunning as any other history, and Black History Month is a wonderful time to recognize the triumphs, innovations, and beauty of the Black community.
There is something to be said about what Black people have been able to accomplish through centuries of oppression. Despite ongoing injustice, Black culture has shaped the foundation of American culture, showcasing endurance and ingenuity that serves as an inspiration to us all. I don’t know about you, but I often feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a millennial woman balancing career, parenthood, a social life, wellness, frustrating politics, and more. It can feel like too much, but when I think about the Black pioneers who came before me (such as Ida B. Wells, Angela Davis, and Fannie Lou Hamer) and the resilience they showed in the face of immense inequities, I’m reminded of just how powerful I am. Celebrating Black History Month provides the opportunity to learn valuable lessons from the perseverance of the Black community.
“When and if Black history is taught, it is often taught from a traumatic, pain-centered lens that focuses on the plight of Black Americans more than victory, joy, and resilience.”
Black history fosters connection and cross-cultural understanding
The beautiful thing about history is that it reminds us of just how alike we all are. I’m a history girly—I enjoy reading historical fiction and watching period dramas like Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age, and Bridgerton. My favorite thing about enjoying historical pieces is realizing the similarities between humanity no matter the century, culture, or geographic location. We all laugh the same laugh and cry the same tears. We dream the same dreams and desire the same love. This will never change, but we allow systemic barriers and cultural stereotypes to make us forget how similar we are. This is why it is imperative to preserve the history of communities that have been historically marginalized and why that history must be inclusive of both pain and triumph. History reminds us that throughout millennia, humans have always been humans. We have more in common than we have differences. Honoring Black History Month serves as a reminder that there is more to celebrate than there is to divide us.
I will never stop advocating for the courageous, joyful celebration of Black History Month. I yearn for the day when Black History Month, along with every other month honoring the heritage and legacy of non-white communities, is met with nothing but the reverence and respect it deserves. It pains me that we still face negativity, controversy, and false narratives about what Black History Month represents, but I remain hopeful for a future where celebrating the rich diversity of our nation is the only way forward. A future like this begins with us. Happy celebrating.
Caroline Sumlin, Contributing Writer
Caroline Sumlin is a writer, author, and content creator specializing in topics ranging from self-worth, lifestyle, wellness, motherhood, education, society, and culture. Caroline received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Howard University in Washington, DC. Driven by her passion for freedom and justice, Caroline crafts articles that urge readers to reflect more deeply and critically about themselves, their lives, and the world around them.