News - HFCC Students Honor Black History Month

When people often think of February, they immediately conjure up an image of red and pink hearts or streets and lawns covered in snow. But February is also known for Black History Month. Originally titled Negro History Week, as described in biography.com, it transformed into a monthly celebration by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1976.
Many politicians, inventors, athletes, and artists have contributed their ideas to society, and it has helped shaped how America is today. To help launch Black History Month, HFCC students expressed who their favorite icons are and what they mean to them.
Of course, you can’t discuss Black History Month without mentioning the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights leader is a top choice for students Tatiana Greene and Elijah Williams.
“He had a dream for African Americans,” said Greene. “He made us come together.”
Williams admires the way King handled the racial injustices of the 1950s and 1960s by leading peaceful protests instead of resorting to anger.
“He showed violence is not the key to achieve freedom,” Williams stated.
Another popular icon is fellow civil rights activist Rosa Parks. She is best known for her December 1955 incident in which she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger.
“I admire her because she stood up for herself,” said Angela Stein. “She refused to give up her seat.”
Kiaria Lewis’ response was similar, stating, “She stood up for what she believed in.”
Student Aquirry Johnson looked backed to the days of slavery when asked for her favorite icons.
“The obvious choices to pick are Obama or Martin Luther King, so I’ll choose Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman,” she decided. “Those two women made it possible for African Americans to live the lifestyles we have now, and to be able to achieve anything we want to, including going to college.”
Both runaway slaves, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, were abolitionists and advocates for women’s rights, according to The Biography Channel website.
Often depicted as MLK’s opposite in the civil rights era, Malcolm X was Ali Almosawi’s favorite icon.
“He brought two worlds together; African Americans and Muslims,” he said, speaking of X’s practice in the Nation of Islam. “By bringing those groups together, he was trying to show that this is how America should be.”
Mariah Harris chose Reverend Jesse Jackson as her hero.
When asked why she favored the civil rights activist she stated, “I grew up watching and listening to him. He’s a black activist, who founded the organization Rainbow Coalition. And he was one of the first black people to run for president.”
Jesse Jackson has made a prominent career in politics as well. In an article on biography.com, it uncovers that he is a featured speaker at the Democratic national conventions, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 by former president Bill Clinton.
Black history has celebrated many milestones over the years, such as the abolishment of slavery, the civil rights movement, and the right to vote. And even today we’re creating history. Danielle Wadoup chose the current president of the United States, Barack Obama, as her icon.
“I choose him because he’s the first black president. He has broken so many color lines to get where he is today.”
For those who want to honor the heroes of black history or want to learn more about them, HFCC is showing “America Beyond the Color Line: The Black Belt”, a documentary exploring the civil rights movement. The movie will be shown February 18 at 2 pm in the ASCC Berry Amphitheater.
In addition, The Henry Ford is holding an exhibit this month entitled “Celebrate Black History!” The event has plenty of features, including a 30 minute movie on the civil rights movement, African American innovator tours, and performances by the Henry Ford Academy choir. You can also see the infamous bus that Rosa Parks fought for her freedom on 58 years ago.