Black History Month is a time dedicated to important figures and events that influenced African Americans today. February 2022 is here and many Americans across the country, including students at Tyler Junior College, are celebrating the efforts made by important figures who fought for the civil rights of African Americans.
Black History Month is a holiday honoring many black historical events and figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who was well known for being one of the main Civil Rights leaders to play a major role in the movement for equal rights all the way back in the 1960s. TJC Freshman Joseph Hernandez believes it is important to learn about black history to better understand other people of different backgrounds.
“I think it’s important so we can have a better understanding of other cultures,” said Hernandez. “It’s hard to fully grasp a different culture when you’re not exposed to it.” Hernandez considers Martin Luther King Jr. to be the most important black figure in American history because of his commitment to non-violence.
King’s strategy to win equal rights was to march peacefully in non-violent protests believing love is a more effective tool to defeat hate.
Hernandez said black history should be a continuous event rather than being only one month in a year.
Freshman Markay Lenard also believes it’s important to learn about black history.
“There’s so much to learn that like nobody knows about,” said Lenard. “I just feel like there’s a lot of stuff that was never talked about.” Lenard believes both King and Malcolm X are important figures in black history because “they stood out the most” to her.
Like King, X was a Civil Rights activist who preferred any measures necessary to protect African Americans against white aggression. This physical approach conflicted with King’s non-violent approach. Ayanna Bell, president of the Black Student Association, thinks either Malcolm X or Martin Luther King Jr. share the top spot for the most important Black figure in American history.
“They used two different tactics. Dr. King was more of a peaceful leader and Malcolm X was more hands-on. He wanted to get to the point and he didn’t want the African Americans to be pushed over,” Bell said.
The BSA is one of TJC’s organizations that was created to give students a perspective on African American history and culture. Bell wants everyone on campus to be informed about black history and what is going on in the present day. Black History Month will continue until March 1. TJC students and faculty along with many others in the U.S. and other countries continue to celebrate and honor those who fought for the Civil Rights movement as well as remembering the overall history of African Americans. Many students realize how important history is to make a better future for everyone around the world. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X both contributed to making a better future for African Americans and continue to be recognizable figures in U.S. history along with many others.
