Hey sis Guess what? It's that time of the year again. No, we're not talking about Galentine's, Valentine's, or the Super Bowl (although we shall revisit later).
We're talking about Black History Month.
You know the 28 or 29 days we dedicate to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices made by Black people.
And while many justly frown at the fact that there are only 28, and at times 29 days, to honor the achievements of Black folks (versus a full 30 or 31 days, or the full 365/366 days) – which, duh, isn't enough time!– there's a significant reason why Black History Month falls in this month of love.
Here's all you need to know.
The Origins of Black History
First off, Black History Month wouldn't exist at all without the works of Carter G. Woodson, PhD.
According to Daryl Michael Scott, a history professor at Howard University, Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard grad, activist, and Black history scholar, got the idea in 1915 after attending a celebration in Illinois.
Carter G. Woodson
It was the 50th anniversary of the 13th Amendment, which during Abraham Lincoln's administration, abolished slavery in 1863 in the Confederate states that broke away from the US – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
It was the 50th anniversary of the 13th Amendment, which during Abraham Lincoln's administration, abolished slavery in 1863 in the Confederate states that broke away from the US – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
In the South, Black teachers taught Negro History to supplement US history. So, during the civil rights movement, the Freedom Schools officially incorporated Black History into the curriculum to foster social change.
Then, in the 1960s, with wider public acknowledgment of the trials and triumphs of Black people, the mere seven days became a month-long celebration.
To mark this change, in 1976, President Gerald declared February Black History Month in a commemorative speech. He urged all Americans to seize the opportunity to celebrate the too-often neglected achievements of Black Americans throughout history.
Today, these observations live on as we continue honoring the greats like Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr., and James Baldwin.
Maya Angelou
Following President Ford's speech, Congress passed a law in 1986, making February the National Black History Month.
Both presidents Regan and Clinton issue their own declarations recognizing February as a national observance, and every president has issued one annually since then.
Why Black History Month is Important to Us
In honor of the great Carter G. Woodson's hard work and the love for our heritage, we at BohoLocs continually celebrate Black History Month by leading the charge to a more inclusive world.
We have also made it our priority to work tirelessly every day to uplift and empower other black-owned businesses.
As a hair and protective style brand, we look for ways to help our community grow and be the best that we can be.
We work with black business owners like creative directors, content creators, influences, photographers, and others.
We also know that to spur real change in the world, we have to look inwards and prioritize inclusivity and representation of all shapes, sizes, and shades in our own team and how we operate.
And, in the years that Boho Locs has been in operation, we have used a range of models from various ethnic backgrounds and sizes to market our products.
So, as we mark this year's Black History Month celebrations, we urge you to continue spreading the love, honoring your heritage, and supporting as many black-owned businesses as you can.
President Obama
In any case, as President Obama put it, "change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
