INTRODUCTION
Since 1976, the United States has established and recognized February as Black History Month, although its origins trace back to 1915. It began when historian and Harvard student Carter G. Woodson pushed to recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans and promote the study of African American history. Initially, this time of celebration began as a week but later was extended to a month when President Gerald R. Ford issued a proclamation to make things official. Every February since then, America has celebrated Black History Month. Whether through music, literature, or other facets of expression, we have taken this time to acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans to all forms of creativity.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE BLACK WRITERS?
Not only was Carter G. Woodson a scholar, he was an author who penned many influential works. With his title as the “Father of Black History,” he set a precedent for many African American writers to come. History tends to gloss over the details of the past—specifically regarding Black Americans—but using the written word as an outlet allows these writers to make their voices known. Diversity in the realm of literature is often a controversial topic that sparks debate among readers. What many fail to realize is that diversity is not an agenda or a checkbox to be ticked off—it is part of our reality.
A quote by Eric Smith (P.S. Literary) states, “When kids grow up not seeing themselves in books, they grow up feeling like they don’t matter.” The purpose of diversity isn’t to enforce a political opinion. A person’s work should not be undermined just because of their identity. When we highlight unacknowledged voices, like those of Black writers, we give them a chance to feel heard. It also allows them to educate and broaden the perspective of others by tackling real-world issues with awareness and authenticity. The best way to learn more about Black History is to read something written without bias or stereotypes. This month, make an effort to uplift writers in the community and amplify their voices through literature. A list is provided below of some authors you can read during Black History Month and beyond.
NOTABLE BLACK WRITERS
1). Phillis Wheatley
Born in West Africa and sold into slavery, Phillis Wheatley is known as the first Black author and the founder of African American Literature. In 1773, her book Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was published. Unfortunately, she did not live long enough to write another collection of poetry, but her work inspired many generations to come. Themes of religion and Christianity were popular in her writing. Her most popular poem, “On Being Brought From Africa to America,” is short but beautifully thought-provoking as it expresses that anyone, regardless of racial orientation, can be saved through the Christian faith.
2). Maya Angelou
As an award-winning memoirist and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou’s autobiographical writing influenced the lives of many. She was inspired by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, and James Baldwin. Maya served on two presidential committees for Gerald R. Ford in 1975 and Jimmy Carter in 1997. Her coming-of-age biography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, rose to popularity for its message of oppression and belonging.
3). Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes, better known as the shortened Langston Hughes, began writing poetry as a high school student. He spent a brief amount of time studying at Columbia University before dropping out but was noticed by New York publishers and kick-started his career as a writer. Hughes was extremely important to the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, a cultural revival of African American music and arts (referenced in his poem “Harlem,” which poses the question what happens to a dream deferred?).
4). Rita Dove
Pulitzer Prize-winner Rita Dove has published multiple volumes of poetry, such as Thomas and Beulah (the semi-fictionalized story of her maternal grandparents during the Great Migration) and a novel, Through the Ivory Gate, which discusses themes such as racial identity, family, and self-discovery. She was the first African American to serve as a poet laureate of the United States and currently serves as the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ vice president of literature.
5). Richard Wright
Richard Wright, who is often considered a central voice in fighting against racism during the 20th century, is mostly known for his book, Native Son. Although Wright’s novels were considered controversial by some, he was dedicated to his craft. His desire to combat prejudice inspired many of his published works. Despite the violence in his stories, he is known for exposing the brutal realities of the Black experience during the Jim Crow era.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Perhaps we are no longer divided by racial segregation, but the ignorance of Black History and disregard for African American creativity is still prevalent in the world today. As the Bible says in Psalm 133:1 (“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”), we should live in unity, not division. The purpose of diversity should be to include rather than reject others.
Take this time to learn more about Black History Month through the writings of authors and poets alike. When you try to broaden your perspective, you’ve taken another step closer to unity and understanding those of a different cultural background. Commit to reading the stories that matter.
