History’s Persisting Importance

ELTON HO
Staff Writer

Decades after its institution in 1976, Black History Month is still celebrated in the U.S. The theme 2014, “Civil Rights in America,” was chosen to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark act, enacted during the African-American Civil Rights Movement, prohibits major forms of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and sex. Accordingly, this month will also commemorate the equality movements of other groups, including women and the LGBT community.

Even in contemporary times, criticism of Black History Month persists. Some detractors regard it as unnecessary in a modern desegregated era—even the current president is African-American. Others claim it is offensive to relegate the acknowledgement of African-American achievements to a single month, rather than integrating it with the achievements of all Americans.

On the other hand, proponents of the month contend that the contributions of African Americans are often overlooked, while ones of Caucasians receive attention year-round. Also, while it is not as blatant as it was a half-century ago, many can attest to racial prejudice in the present. Thus, Black History Month also serves a time to recognize the continual struggle of African Americans to speak up about discrimination and truly feel like equals in their country.