As the New Year has approached us, the majority of the country has just come out of the holiday season which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years’. In the midst of the hoopla of these three separate occasions, many of us of African descent have taken note of other—and perhaps even more special—occasions that take place between the months of December and February: Black History Season.
Not familiar with the term? You’re not alone. There are many Blacks who are barely exposed to the information given that is more freely during Black History Month in February. Black History Season—like the holidays—extends over a period of time that lasts for a minimum of two months. In December, many of us commemorate the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which is celebrated during the final week of the year, beginning with December 26.
The Kwanzaa festivities are only the beginning. The month of January kicks the Black historical perspective to full swing, starting with celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 on New Years’ Day. The month of January also includes the world famous MLK celebrations that often span the entirety of this particular month. The season reaches its peak (and unfortunate demise) in the month of February after the Black History Month celebrations have vanished.
The most positive aspect of Black History Season is its propensity to spark interest in Black history, culture, legacy, and even current issues that involve the Black community. Perhaps the irony of me coining this time period Black History Season is the recurring trend of Black people who observe these special days, yet allow themselves to revert back to apathy from March until the following December.
Despite the short-lived celebration of Blackness, all is not lost on this alone. Let us use recent events such as police brutality toward Blacks, white supremacist media propaganda, and the perpetual exclusion of Black people from all outlets of the dominant society as a rallying cry to emphasize the importance of celebrating our past greatness and using it as a blueprint to build a promising future. Let Black people be the reason for Black History Season.

 by B. Clark