April is Black Women's History Month

Politics Staff

April 15

Maya Martin, Editor

Many people are aware of Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, but what many people do not know is that April is Black Women's History Month.

"Sha Battle established April as International Black Women's History Month in 2016 in the city of Atlanta to uplift and support the achievements of Black and minority women," according to The History Center in Tompkins County.

It is celebrated by people all over the world and meant "to recognize that the contributions of Black women to American society are so significant and multifaceted that they cannot be contained within a single month," according to the NAACP Vancouver Branch.

Black Women's History Month tends to be overshadowed by Women's History Month and Black History Month. Both months occur before Black Women's History Month and receive much more publicity and attention. Additionally, both months were established long before Black Women's History Month in 2016. However, it is important to recognize and distinguish the accomplishments and history of Black Women in particular.

"[The month] highlights the intersectionality of race and gender, and recognizes the unique challenges that Black women have faced throughout history," stated the NAACP Vancouver Branch. "It is an opportunity to honor the contributions of Black women who have been instrumental in shaping American society, and to recognize their struggles and achievements."

This year's theme for Black Women's History Month is Black Women: Uplifting Each Other, Telling Our Stories, Honoring Our Legacies. The colors of the month this year are bright yellow and hot pink. These colors were chosen because "bright yellow is considered to generate the happiest and most uplifting feelings [and] hot pink is associated with boldness and excitement," according to the month's official website.

There are many ways in which to celebrate the month including acknowledging and honoring contributions, educating and informing others, supporting Black women-owned businesses and celebrating diversity. Although the month is still growing in recognition and does not have many widespread in-person events, hopefully over time enough people will learn about the month and it can be as prominent as other history months.

To give Black Women's History Month the support and spotlight it deserves, we must participate in the group effort of informing others and advocating. Although there is Black History Month and Women's History Month, Black women deserve to have their groundbreaking accomplishments and contributions celebrated in their own month.
If you would like to learn more about the month and how you can get involved in celebrating, visit the official International Black Women's History website.