Every February, Black History Month is celebrated across the United States. The month was first recognized in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, marking a significant shift toward greater nationwide recognition and appreciation of African American history. Similar months have also been designated in the U.K. and Canada, all of which serve to push this important history of struggle and success into the spotlight. Despite this widespread recognition of Black History, much of this attention fails to achieve a focus on the present and the history outside of the dominant periphery. Like any culture’s history, Black history will forever be ongoing, and it is crucial to harken back to the present during Black History Month, especially by understanding the implications of the past upon the present. Black History Month is a celebration of all Black history, which means we should expand from the well-known.

At SPA and other educational institutions, the month is often viewed as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the same well-known figures and events. Because of this, the problematic pattern of marginalizing Black history and culture can be perpetuated in the ignorance of all that we leave out. For instance, the history at school and in the media during this month tends to largely revolve around civil rights and resistance against systems of racism and oppression, painting a narrative that doesn’t focus enough on the positives or the vast history outside this realm. Although this history significantly affects the present in many ways, in excess, it can steal the spotlight from other important topics that also deserve recognition. In addition to focusing on these issues, we should also focus on Black culture and the extraordinary achievements of Black individuals and groups across all fields. Black History Month should be all-encompassing: the good, the bad, the old, the new, the famous, the little-known.

Celebrating the Black culture of today and connecting history to the present is of paramount importance as it recognizes the ongoing contributions and achievements of African Americans that have long been underrecognized and underappreciated. By highlighting contemporary figures and events, we acknowledge the dynamic and ever-changing nature of Black culture, ensuring that it remains relevant, accessible and interesting to all generations.

Outside of SPA, many events within the Twin Cities have captured this essential mixture of contemporization and a wide, all-encompassing scope of Black history. Some examples include displays and events at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the City of Saint Paul Black History Month Celebration (free) and a celebration of Black-owned businesses by The Black Market group in Saint Paul (free). For those unable to attend events like these during Black History Month, even taking a minute to pick up a book and learn something new about Black history is highly valuable. Engagement can look different for everybody. Whether it is watching a movie, trying a new genre of music or something totally different, finding ways to participate that align with passions and interests can be extremely helpful in improving overall engagement. Regardless of how each individual chooses to participate, Black History Month is an amazing opportunity, and it falls collectively upon everybody to make the most of it. So, let’s make the most of Black History Month at SPA this year and in the future.