In 1926, Henry Ford started the eight-hour day with the five-day work week. In 1974, during the energy crisis, President Nixon reduced the speed limit on Interstate highways to 55 miles per hour. That is a span of 52 years. We know our history; and there was quite a bit of activity during those 52 years.
Here is the question: How did Black History Month get its start? How long have we been celebrating and honoring those who have earned their place in American history, not just Black History?
Until 1926, there was not any type of celebration for our fellow Americans, until the creation of Negro Week by Carter G. Woodson. Celebration of Negro Week began with the second week of February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln–two people, one black and one white, whose influence not only shaped the future of a race but whose contributions added to American History.
It took another 50 years for that one week to become one month. That is 30 years ago, in 1976. That is too long for one week to become the one month that is celebrated today.
But even though this year’s Black History Month ends in eight days, it does not mean we have to stop celebrating the vibrancy and depth of a culture that is American History.
RWC student, Chanel Chambers could not have said it any better with her poem, “1 Month of 12,” which can be found elsewhere in this issue, in its entirety.