Black History Month is celebrated throughout February and is a celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. However, many feel schools should do more to celebrate Black history, and that Black contributions should be recognized all year round.

North Little Rock High School celebrates Black History Month with a few teachers decorating around the school, such as bulletin boards celebrating notable black women and men in history, doors adorned with cultural symbols, and banners hanging from stairwells.

There was also a black literature panel that was streamed through flex classes. The last full week of February was supposed to be a Black History Spirit Week, but it was cut short when NLRHS ended up going remote for the majority of the week due to a bat infestation. 

Social Studies teacher James Overturf believes that schools should do more to celebrate the month. Overturf feels that many people may not fully understand or appreciate the significance of the month.

He said, “Most of the ways we celebrate Black History Month are merely lip service; most people and institutions do it because they want to seem like they care about Black History.” 

Freshman English teacher Meyonsha Riddles-Stewart, who alone decorated her entire hall for Black History Month, goes further by expressing how black history should be recognized throughout the entire school year. 

“Black American History IS American History,” said Riddles-Stewart. “I’m Black every day and this month is no different. I always have pride in my kinky hair, expressive mannerisms, and lightly melanated skin.”

Azail Johnson, a student of NLRHS, also expressed the view that acknowledging Black history should not be limited to a single month of the year.

 “Black History Month for a Black person is an everyday thing. It’s not just a monthly thing,” said Johnson.

So as Black History Month comes to a close, many agree it is essential to recognize the importance of celebrating the contributions and experiences of Black Americans not just throughout history, but also throughout the year.