The Importance of Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month is more than a commemoration of past achievements—it is a time to recognize, reflect, and reaffirm the vital contributions of Black individuals to history, culture, and society. Too often, Black history is either erased, misrepresented, or reduced to a few key figures and moments. By dedicating a month to this history, we ensure that Black people's rich and complex narratives are acknowledged, celebrated, and woven into the broader story of humanity.

Celebrating Black History Month is also a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for racial justice and equality is ongoing. While we honor trailblazers like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others, we must also recognize the present-day leaders, activists, and change-makers who continue to push for a more just and equitable world. Black history is not just about the past—it is a living, evolving force that shapes our present and future.

Moreover, Black History Month is for everyone. It provides an opportunity for all communities to learn, engage, and reflect on how systemic racism continues to impact society and what can be done to dismantle it—education and awareness foster understanding, empathy, and meaningful allyship. By uplifting Black voices, stories, and achievements, we honor the past and inspire future generations to build a world rooted in justice, equality, and shared humanity.

Happy Black History Month!

Written by Angela Fobbs
Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter Chair
and Global Black Caucus Founder

Black history is world history. Yes, that's correct! Black history is an integral part of world history and has significantly shaped our world today. The experiences and contributions of black people have been central to many of the most important events, movements, and cultural achievements throughout history.

From the early civilizations of Africa to the slave trade to the modern era of globalization, black people have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, including politics, the arts, science, and technology. The history of black people is not just a story of oppression and struggle but also resilience, creativity, and triumph.

By recognizing and celebrating black history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and the events that have shaped it. This includes recognizing the contributions of black people to the development of science, art, and culture, as well as understanding the challenges that black people have faced and continue to face in their pursuit of equality and justice.

We also need to think about how we got to where we are today and how we can move past our problems. We do not need to fear or protect people from our history. It is our shared past; if we want the future to be different, we must learn what happened and make other choices.

Fascists are currently obsessed with people and institutions being "woke." The term has been co-opted by some people with opposing views, who use it to criticize or mock those who are seen as overly politically correct or sensitive. In these contexts, "wokeness" is often portrayed as a harmful phenomenon that stifles free speech and individual expression. However, the opposite of woke is asleep, which is what they want. They want to hurt people they see as different or undeserving, and no one lifts a finger to object or to help them. We should all remember the words of Pastor Martin Niemöll because if we don't come together and stop the forces of authoritarian hate, there will not be anyone to come for us.

Many of humanity's problems stem from our need to know who we are as humans and what that means. Through understanding, we can change how we think and our choices and motivate us to make positive changes in the world. It's also important to recognize that many of the challenges faced by humanity are not simply the result of a lack of knowledge but are also the result of more systemic and structural issues, such as economic inequality, political corruption, and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues requires a deeper understanding of not just who we are as individuals but also the broader social, political, and economic systems that shape our world.

My most sincere wish is that we all gain knowledge and understanding so we can fight the repressive and hateful Fascists that are working to destroy our country, our world, and our future. As the Reverend Martin Luther King said in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail ": "Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." 

Below are two books and documentaries that have changed my perspective on race and our history, and I hope they will also change your perspective. Be sure to check out the bonus material for further information.