Before Black History Month there was Negro History Week, initiated by Carter G. Woodson on February 7th, 1926. Now, there are 28 days to celebrate Black History — 28 days to appreciate the culture and recognize the history — but a month cannot just contain the fullness of Black History. However, North Atlanta High School puts effort into acknowledging the month and organizing events that commemorate the Black struggle and honor Black influence. Black History is about learning and uniting communities. It’s about remembering the journey, the constant challenges, the resilience, the oppression, and the heritage that continues to shape the present and future.
Many students celebrate Black History year-round. Nevertheless, the nationally recognized month is an incentive to teach others. The month highlights those forgotten, and creates events to be remembered.
In 1976, Black History Month was officially designated for February. Now 49 years later North Atlanta decorates the school with banners and approves student-led events, like the BSU student-led fashion show and showcase. North Atlanta allows students in the same demographic to further their academic career by communicating with mentors who can relate to their identity. While the efforts are appreciated, some students hope for more in the future. Junior Josh Daniels admires the lead BSU takes during Black History Month, but wants the school to come up with other unique ways to celebrate Black culture. He suggests posting more on the school’s public Instagram page honoring those from the past and celebrating the bright future of black excellence. “My mom and I frequently support black business, art, and culture through events put on in the city, and I’d love to see that from North Atlanta,” he said.
Junior Daniel Gray feels pride in the way North celebrates BHM which is due to the organized showcase and fashion show events. Gray believes in the representation of progression and showing the positive with the struggle. “I take pride in my culture and I’m proud of it,” he said.
Though North Atlanta’s diverse recognition of all ethnicities and cultures is appreciated, there is room for improvement based on the Dubs’s commentary. More initiative would be appreciated in celebration of Black culture, beyond the efforts of the BSU. Black History Month serves as a reminder, a teaching moment, and continuously shaping the legacy being built.
