Written by: Cullen C. Merritt, Ph.D., O’Neill Associate Professor and Director of the O’Neill Honors Program
Black history is a part of American history. It’s a part of world history. It’s a point of pride, a point of excitement, and a point of reflection for all of us.
When I think of Black History Month, I think about honoring those who came before me who have beaten the odds and overcome obstacles to positively change society.
Growing up, Black History Month often focused more on Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks or George Washington Carver. We would discuss the incredible barriers they overcame, the vast number of people they affected, and the wide-reaching influence they had.
And while what they did is—without question—amazing and impactful, it is difficult to replicate.
As an adult, I have developed a great appreciation for the many people who were just as integral to social and racial justice progress but who may not have made the front page of the paper.
It is critical that we celebrate those people and their experiences during this month and beyond as well.