The month of February is a time when Black Americans as a culture come together and celebrate how far they have come not only as a race but as a unity. Not only does Black History Month give a chance to recognize Black individuals that paved the way for African Americans, but it also educates on the hardships and troubles Blacks face day to day in America. 

“It’s important to me that we continue to teach the things we’ve learned, and the things that we as black people have gone through, and how we have been so incredible,” biology teacher Torri Clay said. 

Black History Month is not just a time when we limit ourselves to watching Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” Speech. There are many other aspects and people that have contributed to getting us where we are today.

“Black history is American history,” algebra teacher Twyla Crayton said. “It magnifies the contributions African Americans made in the building of America. It means empowerment and pride. Empowerment in that although our ancestors struggled, they overcame and it gives us the momentum that we, too, can overcome current and future obstacles. It means pride because our ancestors did not lose their dignity nor the sight of hope.”

Black History is sometimes discredited and some people have no idea of the importance and impact black people have had in America.

“We have done many things that have developed this nation, we played a big part in the development and discovery. A lot of people don’t know and don’t understand the contribution that we as black people have made to this country,” Clay said. 

Although Black Americans have come far and have proven themselves to show excellence, the teaching of their accomplishments is ignored in school systems. 

“We kinda put it on the shelf and we don’t really talk about it, we say that we’re teaching history in general, but we don’t isolate black history. We don’t mention black history in our textbooks or curriculums,” Clay said.

Black History should be taught so kids that look just like those important black figures we all know realize just how much of a positive impact we have.

“I think it’s sad we talk about a lot of things but we don’t really give accolades to Black Americans the way we should,” Clay said. 

Black success is all around you, whether in 90s black sitcoms; listening to rap, hip hop, and r&b; or reading stories about successful black people. Those are all such beautiful aspects of black history that deserve to be taught. 

“Tamia is definitely my favorite singer, as far as an actress I think Phylicia Rashad. There’s just been something that I always loved about her, plus she’s my sorority sister. But there are so many that I can name that I enjoy watching and that I think are great role models,” Clay said

Black Americans deserve often more credit than they are given.

“It is important for all history to be taught. As has been stated, you don’t know where you are going, if you don’t know where you come from. Lack of knowledge causes history to repeat itself. All history has molded America into what it is today and will be tomorrow,” Crayton said.