February, a month of remembrance and a month of reflection on how African Americans shaped the history of America. We take a moment to reflect back on the struggles and achievements of those who came before us.
When it comes to Black History Month, I think about how much African American lives impacted our country’s history. From the beginning of being made slaves, the underground railroad, places that separated Blacks and whites, to Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. With courage and standing up for what’s right, even small actions can make big impacts.
I think back to when I learned about how Black people were kidnapped from Africa to America to be slaves. They were forced to work in the fields and their masters claimed that they were considered their property. This makes my blood boil.
The anger inside me burns like a raging fire in my soul when I think back to how white people felt like they had the right to call another human being property. They felt like the color of their skin reflects who’s on the top and who’s on the bottom.
I love the heroic and courageous story of Harriet Tubman. Even after escaping to the north, she still went back and forth between the north and south to free as many slaves as possible. Besides that she was a spy and nurse during the civil war. It puts a smile on my face knowing that in her heart, she knew she could never truly be free until her people were free too.
I think about the times when Black and white people were separated and Blacks were not considered equal. Even during those times, people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King stood up for what’s right. Rosa Parks refused to give up her spot on the bus to a white man and Martin Luther King inspired equality for both Black and white people. It’s people like them who give me hope that even during difficult times of inequality, there will always be people who are not afraid to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.
It’s stories like these that remind me of a poem that I wrote called Stars.
“Life is like the night sky. When nothing seems to be going right and so many bad things are happening, I feel as if the world is being plunged into darkness like when the sun sets for the day and leaves us with a dark sky. On the other hand, there are people who choose to take a stand for what’s right when things are going wrong. That’s what makes them like the stars in the night sky. Without stars, the sky wouldn’t be beautiful, without good people, we can’t make life better. Stars can remind us that even when there is darkness, there is always light.”
-Jenna Hagedorn
The year 2025 is the 49 year anniversary of celebrating Black History Month. Take a moment to remember how far African Americans have come and be grateful that we all have equal rights. For when there’s darkness, be a light.
