The Importance of Black History Month and Other Heritage Months
Inside of Latinidad, anti-blackness, anti-indigenous and patriarchy runs rampant. From deeply held beliefs that having children with a white person will somehow “better” the race or expecting women to cook and clean and take care of the children by themselves. Right now, CONTRA-TIEMPO is working on a new piece “¡AZÚCAR!” that intentionally names and aims to obliterate that anti-blackness. Through the stories of of our African and Indigenous ancestors we are able to honor their contributions.
In January 2023, the city council of Temecula, California “voted not to declare federally recognized heritage months such as Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month and Black History Month.” The council majority argued that these heritage months “are exclusionary and elevate some groups over others.” In light of this, let’s explore the importance of Black History Month and other heritage months, and why these celebrations are not exclusionary, but rather a tool for inclusion, social justice, and community togetherness.
Why Is Black History Month Important?
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and experiences of African Americans throughout history. It is celebrated every February in the United States and has been recognized as a national observance since 1976.
This month-long observance gives us a platform to educate ourselves and others about the rich and diverse history of African Americans and the impact they have had on our country and the world. This is especially crucial when the American education system fails to properly teach Black history, sweeps it under the rug, or sugarcoats the past. Like Germany after WWII, we must learn to be a nation that acknowledges our horrors without excuse and makes every effort to move forward from a place of honest contrition and genuine goodwill.
Black History Month also provides an opportunity to recognize ongoing struggles and injustices, and can help to increase pride, self-esteem, and a sense of community among those who recognize and celebrate this rich cultural heritage.
The Importance of Heritage Months
Rather than a time to elevate one group above others, heritage months are times to highlight stories that aren’t typically shared or celebrated. Although society might show how incapable and unworthy someone is based on their race and ethnicity, heritage months serve as a reminder that we are capable and worthy. It is an intentional acknowledgement of the contributions that all people make in this world. Heritage months help us in the struggle to achieve racial equity, and are also beautiful celebrations of America’s diversity and fullness of culture.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more are vital observances that enable people to deepen their understanding of various communities, break down barriers, and promote unity and respect. Heritage months also give members of different communities a sense of pride and connection to their heritage and culture. Through heritage months, we can promote a more inclusive, harmonious, and beautiful world.
Here at CONTRA-TIEMPO, we celebrate our heritage and proudly showcase our diverse stories in our work. As a Los-Angeles-based activist dance theater company, we have a responsibility to represent diversity in our art, and it’s a responsibility we are thrilled to meet. We work hard to create communities where all people are awakened to a sense of themselves as artists and social change agents who move through the world with compassion and confidence.
Our physically intense and politically astute performance work moves audiences to imagine what’s possible. We wield the power of art to influence social change, live out our values, and teach others to engage in art activism. Support our movement by donating today!
Bibliography:
Bunch, L. (2022, February 7). Knowing the past opens the door to the future: The continuing importance of Black History Month. National Museum of African American History and Culture. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/knowing-past-opens-door-future-continuing-importance-black-history-month
Marin Health and Human Services. (2021, April 5). Equity vs. Equality: What's the Difference?
Neuman, S. (2023, February 1). It's Black History Month. Here are 3 things to know about the annual celebration. NPR. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2023/02/01/1150977600/black-history-month-2023-theme-3-things-to-know
Temecula City Council will no longer declare heritage and pride months. California City News. (2023, January 19). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.californiacitynews.org/2023/01/temecula-city-council-will-no-longer-declare-heritage-and-pride-months.html
U.S. Department of State. (2023, February 2). State Department celebrates heritage and history Months - United States Department of State. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.state.gov/state-department-celebrates-heritage-and-history-months/