Celebrating Black History Month is a way to honor and recognize all that African-Americans have done – not just in the fight for equality – but for the betterment of our country as a whole.
Established in 1976, Black History Month remains one of the most heavily observed month-long celebrations. The four-week-long designation takes place each February and first began as Negro History Week in 1926. February was chosen to honor abolitionist leaders Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom have birthdays during this month. It later evolved into Black History Month after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
The United States has taken enormous strides in this battle – most recently with the election of our first African-American president, and it is important to remember and honor those who made these achievements possible. The brave efforts of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth and countless other civil rights leaders helped pave the way for a civil rights movement that altered that fabric of our culture.
Our nation has come a long way toward making the American Dream a reality for all people. Today, more than 1 million black students are enrolled in college, more than 46 percent of African-Americans own homes and almost 30 percent of black adults hold management positions or have professional occupations.
It’s important for us to remember the struggles of generations past, but maybe more important is imparting this knowledge and understanding on future generations. For this reason, I am hosting my second annual Black History Month Essay Contest. Students who participate will be asked to describe what the following Booker T. Washington quote means to them: "More and more, we must learn to think not in terms of race or color, or language, or religion, or political boundaries, but in terms of humanity."
The contest is open to middle and high school students in schools within the following districts: Beacon City School District; Highland Central School District; Marlboro Central School District; Newburgh City School District; Poughkeepsie City School District; and Wallkill Central School District. Submissions are due by Feb. 24, and students are urged to see their English teachers for more details or call Assemblyman Skartados’ office at (845) 562-0888.
The movement for equality and real social justice began with a force like no other and culminated with what many who lived through the civil rights movement have waited a lifetime to see. Those leaders who lit the way refused to settle and demanded change. We must remember their efforts and ideals. We must never forget their struggles and sacrifices. And we must continue to strive to exemplify equality, justice and freedom for all.
