Written by Sophia Hysaw, Staff Writer & Opinion Editor
Black History Month has been celebrated for many years, with its origins beginning in 1926. Though, through the years it has become more widely celebrated and its importance is increasingly recognized by the Black youth of America.
“It’s beyond important. It is a time for remembrance and rejoice. It’s a time to give thanks to those arto ound us and from the past that have made such incredible changes in our society, ” said Avery Rothmeyer, an Indian Trail junior.
Jaiya Boyd, another Indian Trail junior, shared her sentiments.
“Black History Month is very important because it is of extreme importance for not only African Americans, but all people to know the impact that the Black community has made throughout the years,” Boyd said.
Although February has been a longstanding celebration recognized for years, it seems that only recently there has been a wider audience outside of just the Black community partaking in the yearly commemoration.
To many young African American individuals, though, it is not viewed as a nearly large enough accomplishment.
“Black History is not represented enough outside of February. This month alone was not the only month that African American’s constantly fought for our rights,” Boyd said.
Heaven Williams, a junior at Indian Trail High School, shared some similar beliefs.
“Our history is not represented well outside of February. It’s barely talked about during February and teachers scarcely mention it!” Williams said.
Rothmeyer argued passionately that the situation needs to change.
“I think it’s crucial for me to learn about who I am, and what so many people have done to ensure equality and peace for my future,” she said. “I think even if you aren’t a black individual or a person of color, you should still understand the history. The past impacts all of us.”
Black History representation within the school system is a prevalent concern among Black students who point out that their narrative is not taught in the same way that European history is.
Although there are these concerns, the schools have made some changes just in the past few years alone, and there is hope for more.
“The thing that sticks out the most to me though is the progress, the change. With all of the police brutality and racial injustice and inequality we’ve seen just in the past year, we’ve seen the modification and we’ve seen the unity as well,” said Rothmeyer.
“We have witnessed integration we’ve never seen before. I think if we continue to fight, the progress will be even more significant. The world is changing right before our eyes.”