In this blog post, STEMHub Foundation’s Director, Ngowari Diminas shares her thoughts about Black History Month.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in history. One of the benefits of this historic time of reflection is the awareness and hope it gives to the younger generation to attain greatness. Apart from the above, Black History Month showcases talent and progress that can bring positive development, and gives us the opportunity to remember great Africans, people of African descent, and remarkable historical events. Let’s recount the advent of Black History Month.

The History of Black History Month

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, an American historian and author, is cited to have launched the celebration of “Negro History Week.” It was changed to Black History Month in 1970 by black educators and some students at Kent State University.  

In more recent times, stirred up in the mid-1980s by the identity crisis that Black children in the UK faced, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo from Ghana supported and created the special project of celebrating the first Black History Month in London in 1987. (Yes, he did!

Then, in 1995 Jean Augustine, Canada’s first African-Canada female Member of Parliament, worked hard to recognize and honor Black Canadians officially. Consequently, in 2008, Black History Month was unanimously approved by the Senate.

More Countries Need To Recognize Black History Month

Today, Canada and the United States celebrate Black History Month annually through the month of February. The Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland observe theirs in October. But why just four countries? Following the contributions of Africans and people of African descent towards nation-building, the fields of medicine, engineering, business amongst others, it is important that more countries celebrate Black History Month.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us think, and appreciate the importance of this month by acknowledging people of African descent and their contributions. We also need to get involved in efforts geared towards the recognition of Black History Month and the contributions of Africans and people of African descent in more countries.

Furthermore, let us remember that bringing awareness and progress wherever we find ourselves provides a solid foundation for others. In conclusion, as Africans and people of African descent, may we continue to show our talent and be an immense source of blessings to our communities.

This blog post was written by STEMHub Foundation’s Director, Ngowari Diminas.

Ngowari is the founder of CAFEW – Connecting All Female Engineers Worldwide and a full-time Project Engineer for an energy infrastructure company. She is passionate about the sustainability of technology development, innovation and applications in all STEM associated industries.

Connect with Ngowari on Twitter @ngodiminas or Linkedin. For more about CAFEW check them out on Twitter @cafewnd and Facebook