Odyssey Cromwell, sophomore majoring in medical sociology
“I feel that Black History Month is a time to express gratitude to all who came before us and worked so hard to be accepted in a country where most times their voices were left unheard. However, Black History Month is also a time to acknowledge that we are currently making history ourselves.”
Ashley Martin-Lee, Jefferson County Bus Driver
“We see the same staples during Black History Month every year: Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Malcom X. Those staples are amazing, and we appreciate them, but we tend to forget about the average people, the unspoken man, who fought for us. You never hear about all the sharecroppers who were cheated out of their money, or the moms who went to vote and lost their jobs so those after them could vote. It’s not just the stories we know, it’s the stories that are unknown that made a difference.”
Christopher Jones, Director of the Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs division of UAB’s Office of Student Affairs
“Since 1976, the United States has recognized and celebrated Black History Month. Founded by Black historian and author, Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month allows a time for people to reflect on the accomplishments of Black Americans. But, as I reflect on this month I have to believe that Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the accomplishments of Black people, but to also acknowledge the strength and perseverance of Black Americans in the face of insurmountable odds. In 1619, the first African slaves were brought to the shores of the Americas creating a system of chattel slavery that would create a racial hierarchy placing African people as less than human. Through all of violence and trauma Black people have not only survived but have thrived and been major contributors to American culture and society. Every Black History Month I am proud to say that I am a descendant of those who were brought here and enslaved but found a way to live and make a way for many other generations.”
