February - A Black Month

February is the shortest month of the year, and its name literally means purification. It is remembered as Black History Month, and is celebrated in the USA and Canada as a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African-American diaspora. By studying the history of the African-Americans, we can find many prominent individuals who have left their mark on history as authors of great works. One of the most famous ones are Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano, both of whom lived in the 18th century. They wrote during the early high points of the slave narratives and the famous Harlem renaissance, which later continues with writers such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Walter Mosley. These people are, in fact, those that show us best why we celebrate Black History Month today. They do this through their works, which increase our understanding of the pain and suffering the Africans-Americans have been through.

Toni Morrison, for instance, has written one of the most resonant slave narratives. “Beloved” reinforces her major theme, the generational repercussions of slavery, as do most of her other works. “The Bluest Eye” follows the life of a young girl troubled by her complexion, with a strong wish to become a blue-eyed Caucasian. The works of Toni Morrison thus familiarize us with the life of the African-Americans and their struggle to rise within society.

“I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings”, an autobiography by American writer and poet Maya Angelou, is a Bildungsroman (a coming-of-age novel), which illustrates how the strength of character and love of literature can help one overcome racism and trauma. Maya Angelou has thus become a recognized author by writing about the racism and prejudice of which all African-Americans were victims.

Black History month is a month to be celebrated, and a month to be praised. It is a significant remembrance of the legacy of the African-American population and their incessant struggles. By reading the works of black writers, we can only hope to increase our understanding of these struggles, but also realize that we will never be able to fully grasp the implications of their experiences.