Tag: Black History Month

  • Hair Discrimination

    For some, hair is definitely a sensitive topic because essentially, it is a representation of who we are. What’s the first thing you notice about somebody besides their face? Most likely their hair. We all choose to wear our hair how we want but why is it that many black girls are ridiculed for their hair?

    There are things you should and should not say when talking about a black girl’s hair. Things you should say: “I love your hair!”  “How did you get it like that?”  “What products do you put in your hair?” Things you should NOT say: “You should do something with that hair.”  “That looks a mess!” And you absolutely do NOT call a black girl’s hair “nappy”!

    These are the few things that are and aren’t acceptable to say to a girl of any ethnic background. It is derogatory and undermining to the person receiving it and to the race as a whole. African-Americans have fought a long and hard battle and even to this day still continue to fight for our freedom to be who we are. We shouldn’t be told that the way we wear our hair is “out of uniform” or “needs to be more kept”.

    You should KEEP your salty opinions to yourself. For years, black women have been fired from their jobs for wearing their natural hair instead of choosing to change how they look just to appeal to others. Black girls have gotten their hair cut at school, they’ve been suspended, they’ve been bullied and embarrassed. Why can’t black girls be accepted for who they are and how they look? We can’t confidently wear the hair that we were given? Just because our hair isn’t straight, stringy, and boring does not mean that it is not beautiful! And who is to say it isn’t beautiful? I’ll wait.

    All textures of hair are beautiful and should be appreciated. If you do not have anything nice to say, it’s best to just shut up, sit back, and mind your business.

  • The Importance of Black History

    It’s the month of February! What do you think of when you think of February? Valentine’s Day? President’s Day? Or do you think about the appreciation of the black culture?
    Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my sister. I asked her if she knew who Malcolm X was. She said no. I asked if her if she knew the history of where her ancestors came from and if she knew the obstacles they had to overcome for us to be treated the way a human being should be treated? Of course, she gave me a confused look and responded that she didn’t.
    Black History Month doesn’t get the same recognition for younger students as much as it did when I was in elementary school. Many students entering middle school still don’t even know who Malcolm X is. To this day, people still say “MLK died for our rights.” MLK did not die for our rights. He was assassinated. Many of our people were killed just for us to receive the same rights as everybody else. Younger students should know that by now!
    Even though, our culture should be celebrated all year long, it should at least be recognized more during the month that was dedicated to the culture. Can we please acknowledge the greatness of black culture?

  • Black History Month

    Black History Month

    I remember in middle school and elementary school when we used to spend time in February learning about important Black Americans and their impacts in American innovation, culture and society. I never realized that we would no longer discuss any of this once we “promoted”  to high school. The only ways for Poly students to discuss or learn about even the most minute piece of Black Americans’ role in America is to take Black History or Ethnic Studies as an elective, or be lucky enough to have Sarah Schol for English.

    It is beyond annoying that as an African American  I spend most of my life learning only about the accomplishments of people who look nothing like me. I feel like many people of color feel the same way that I do. In all honesty, I can’t even remember a time when we learned about Hispanic Heritage month in class.  Even when the High Life staff discussed writing about Black History Month, one staff writer didn’t even know February was Black History Month.

    For this reason I feel like public education system is failing students of color in the history department and it is time something is done about about it. The district should put more emphasis for students to learn about minorities and the influence that they have in American culture.

  • Black History Music

     

    Michael Jackson

    Many people try arguing that Michael was ashamed of his race due to him constantly tried to change his skin tone, but this, of course, is just a rumor. Michael was constantly trying to better the lives of Black youth, through many foundations and charities, including The United Negro College Fund. He donated over $100 million in his lifetime. MJ was also the first black artist to appear on MTV, which had a very strict rule limiting Black artists from screen time. Once he got the opportunity, Michael’s videos became the most popular. “Thriller” is still the most popular and most viewed video of all time. Long live the king.
    Recommended listen: “The Lady In My Life”

    Billie Holiday


    Holiday was brought up in a brothel house and at the age of twelve was arrested for prostitution. It was at this age that her love for the blues began. She collaborated with saxophonist Lester Young in the 1930s, and continued to make music with him throughout her career. The most notable song of their partnership was “Strange Fruit.” Considered the first protest song she recorded, Billie began expressing the pain she felt as a Black female entertainer. This only worsened her situation, as the racial attacks and sexist obstacles grew as rapidly as her fame did. Her alcohol and heroin addiction led to her downfall and eventual her death in 1959 at the age of forty-four. Her message and legacy live on, as she is still considered to have one of the greatest voices in all of jazz.
    Recommended listen:  “Gloomy Sunday”

    Otis Redding


    Otis Redding had a short-lived but full career. He began singing as a child in the choir, and Redding wasn’t only extremely talented, but was also a smart businessman. He owned multiple homes and 300 acres of land at the time of his death. Otis Redding made true soul music; white people respected him and welcomed his music with open arms, which was a huge deal for a time when segregation was still very common. He was the closing act of The Monterey International Pop Music Festival and one of the only Black artists to perform at Woodstotck other than Jimi Hendrix. What sets Otis apart is the fact that he made music for Black people to enjoy, and ended up bringing everyone together in the name of music. His final recording track “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” although released after his death, became his most well known song.
    Recommended listen: “Pain In My Heart”

    Diana Ross


    Front woman for the infamous group The Supremes and film star, bombshell Mrs. Ross has had a big career and is still active to this day. Her career is one that spans over forty years.  One of her most critically acclaimed films was her portrayal as the previously mentioned legend Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, for which Diana Ross received an Academy Award. She also starred alongside Ted Ross, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, and Michael Jackson in the musical classic, The Wiz. Her skills in both singing and acting are monumental to say the least. She will forever be looked back upon as one of the greatest Black entertainers of our time.
    Recommended listen: “My World Is Empty Without You”