Facts About Black History Every Parent and Child Should Know

Black people have made inventions, science, theories, music, life teachings, art, and more for generations in the United States. Which are not so well-known facts about black history.

And such accomplishments have gone unacknowledged for far too long. During Black History Month, we can reflect on the injustices that have been inflicted on African-Americans throughout history while also honoring their achievements in the face of those challenges.

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It’s very uncommon for youngsters and adults alike to overlook some of the contributions made throughout hundreds of years in a short time.

We’ve compiled a list of facts about Black history that we hope will help clear up any misconceptions and motivate people to learn more about the achievements of Black people throughout the year.

Facts about Black History You Should Know

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For a good reason, February was selected as Black History Month. Only by pure chance is Black History Month not observed during February. Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays were considered when deciding on the dates.

Abolitionist achievements by both men have long been celebrated and aligned among African-Americans. It began as a one-week commemoration known as “Negro History Week” to coincide with their birthdays, but President Ford made it a month-long event in 1976.

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In addition to slavery, there have been many other factors that have made life challenging for African-Americans. President Lincoln abolished slavery in 1865, but some systemic difficulties remained that made it difficult for Black Americans to survive and thrive

There are many reasons why homeownership and wealth-building through property ownership are difficult for African-Americans, including redlining in the 1930s, which delineated color-coded maps to indicate unsafe investment locations.

1. Black history includes the contributions of immigrants, too.

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As a reminder, Black History Month is inclusive of various cultures, despite its origins in the United States.  It is believed that one in ten Black persons in the United States is an immigrant, and they are a massive component of the country’s history and growth.

2. Black History Month has an annual theme each year.

The United States government selects a different topic to honor Black History Month every year. There will be a special emphasis on Black Health and Wellness in 2022, which focuses on the contributions of African-Americans to Western health and wellness businesses, including doulas and midwives.

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Previous Black History Month themes have included African American Voting, the Crisis in Black Education, and The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, among many others.

Seneca Village, a wealthy Black neighborhood in New York City, once occupied the site now occupied by Central Park.

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Around 200 people lived in the Upper West Side neighborhood between 8th and 9th Avenues, which was primarily black. Pre-Civil War, the village’s 40-acre area housed the most significant number of Black homeowners.

Until the construction of Central Park, the region was open to African-Americans, who could vote, attend their churches, and cultivate their gardens.

3. Disabled African-Americans are also a part of the history of the Black community.

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Disabled African-Americans are often overlooked during Black History Month, although it has taken place for many years. Despite this, 5.6 million African-Americans are disabled.

Harriet Tubman’s epilepsy and Muhammad Ali’s dyslexia are not well known or addressed. The erasure of the limitations of Black achievers contributes to a lack of inclusivity and obliteration of their achievements.

4. People of color and Black people are not synonyms.

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Because of this, the month is referred to as Black History Month rather than People of Color Month. Even though all black people are people of color, not all black people are.

Anyone who doesn’t identify as white or of European heritage is considered a person of color. It’s critical to utilize the word “Black” when discussing difficulties or successes that are uniquely Black. Using the term “people of color” when you genuinely mean “Black people” may contribute to the obliteration of Black people’s intricacies.

5. Black History is also observed month-long outside the United States.

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Even though the month-long celebration began in the United States, it is also celebrated in Canada.  In addition, it is observed in October in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands as well.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 created it illegal to discriminate against persons of color based on their race, color, or religion.

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The milestone Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was the first federal law to outlaw both segregation and the use of public funds to further discriminatory ends.

Later, the Civil Rights Act influenced the Voting and Housing Acts of 1968.

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