Is the Black History Month Celebrated in Africa?

Date:

spot_img

Is Black History Month celebrated in Africa? This is the question many black people like you keep asking every day.

Become an insider.  Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!

Black people celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge the continuous achievements and contributions of black people to society. What began in America in 1926 has extended to other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

However, it’s crucial to explore whether Black History Month is celebrated in Africa, the continent from which this rich history originates.

Understanding Black History Month

Black History Month is a dedicated time to recognize the struggles, accomplishments, and culture of Black people worldwide. The US and Canada celebrate it in February while while the UK marks it in October. Among the events that you see during the celebration are lectures and cultural displays.

The Origins of Black History Month

is black history month in africa?
Hand drawn flat black history month background. Freepik

Black History Month has its roots in the United States. It was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a black historian, in 1926. Dr. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) chose February for the celebration because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two influential figures in black history.

Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.

Black History Month in Africa

is black history month in africa?
Hand drawn black history month background. Freepik

Historical Context

Surprisingly, Africa doesn’t widely celebrate Black History Month. This might appear counterintuitive, given that it’s the very cradle of human civilization. Historically, African nations have been more focused on their diverse cultural and historical narratives, with less emphasis on a dedicated month for black history.

Modern-Day Observance

In recent years, some African countries including South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria have started to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month, particularly in urban centers and within academic institutions. However, it’s not as pervasive as in countries outside Africa.

Controversies Surrounding Black History Month

Criticisms

Critics argue that designating just one month for Black history can unintentionally marginalize the contributions of Black people, as their history should be celebrated throughout the year.

Become an insider.  Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!

Counterarguments

On the other hand, supporters of Black History Month believe that it’s in the right direction in the ongoing fight for equality and justice for black people. It highlights the injustices black people have encountered throughout history.

Read also: 7 Interesting Atlanta Black History Facts to Know

Inspirational Figures in African History

Africa has had countless inspirational leaders whose legacies we continue to enjoy today. Individuals like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie, and Wangari Maathai have left indelible marks on history.

The Global Impact of Black History Month

Black History Month’s global reach is a testament to the universal significance of Black history. It has helped establish solidarity and fostered conversation among communities about social justice and equality.

It has also opened a global conversation about racial abuse and gender equality. These conversations weren’t easily talked about, but the emergence of Black History Month has paved the way for such discussions even outside the celebration months.

The Future of Black History Month

As the world evolves, so does the observance of Black History Month. It’s likely to grow and continue to remind us of the struggles, contributions, and achievements of black people.

As we all know now, Black History Month isn’t only celebrated in the US where it originated. It’s also celebrated in other countries, including the Netherlands and Ireland. However, Black History Month isn’t widely celebrated in Africa, although it’s significant.

People Also Read: Black History: 4 Dramatic Events That Happened on October 20th

Become an insider.  Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!

Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.

Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!

As an Amazon Associate, Spotcovery earns from qualifying purchases. Spotcovery gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

spot_img
Abdul Rashid Sani
Abdul Rashid Sani
Abdul Rashid Sani is a talented and experienced Growth and Content Manager with a passion for writing and building relationships. With a strong background in SEO content writing, paid search and social, and content marketing, he possesses a diverse set of skills that make him an asset to any team. In his free time, Abdul is a huge soccer fan and enjoys writing in his spare time. He is dedicated to continually improving his skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in his field.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here
Captcha verification failed!
CAPTCHA user score failed. Please contact us!

Exclusive Articles

Popular

More like this
Related

7 Least known Apparel Retailers That Can Give you a Good Deal

Whether you’re looking for trends, classics or everyday wear,...

8 Teams That Have Lifted the UEFA Champions League Trophy

23 clubs have lifted the Champions League trophy since...

Emmitt Smith’s Remarkable Career in the NFL

The arrival of Emmitt Smith improved the Dallas Cowboys....

9 Best Champions League Games You Can Watch Tirelessly

Weeknights have never been more exciting thanks to the...