Black history Month is a month of celebration to honor African-American people who have impacted or influenced the black race. Black History Month began, Feb. 1, 2010. I don't know about you, but I don't feel that people appreciate Black History Month like they should, especially generation Y, also known as the Millennial Generation. My generation doesn't really get excited around Black History Month, until we get off for Martin Luther King Jr. day, which is sad, because this month should mean more to us.

Instead of talking about the same people for Black History Month, such as MLK, Rosa Parks, Madame C.J. Walker, and Jesse Jackson I would like to see more of a spotlight on our living legends, people who are making history that are still living. We always seem to focus on the past, but there are so many people such as Sean Combs, Bob Johnson, and Michael Jordan who are still living and should be honored. The truth is, if we didn't do black history month in February, we wouldn't have the kind of emphasis we do on our accomplishments.

It is not that Black History Month is wrong; I feel that it is being misused. Having a special time to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans to American history is wonderful, but when it is used as a substitute for teaching black history to all students all year round, we are stunting the educational growth of students of all colors and backgrounds.

Our ultimate goal should be to have students discussing Harriett Tubman or Frederick Douglass in October and April, not just in February. However, trying to integrate Black History Month all year long will raise lots of red flags, because so many people will have an opinion, which will eventually result in controversy. So, I ask you, what does Black History Month mean to you?

Posted By: Chelsie Revis, Senior