So it’s February… and Valentine’s day is in a couple of weeks…. You’ve probably got one of our lifestyle managers craft for you and your significant other the perfect romantic evening or simply got it covered by your own means. In any case, February is surely a month where love, diversity and appreciation are celebrated.
What if we told you that for LeCircles it’s a month of celebrations too. As a matter of fact, it’s a very busy and special period filled with acceptance, compassion and remembrance — where celebration of the American history and its consequences are at heart. Indeed, names such as Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. Dubois, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks or even Martin Luther King Jr are put in the spotlight to never fall into oblivion. In the USA and Canada, it’s Black History Month and we couldn’t just let this go — given that it echoes our previous post.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
Indeed, Excellence has no color, gender or age… We believe that we are the measure of our dedication, actions and willpower. At least that’s what is thought at LeCircles. Nevertheless, it hasn’t always been so worldwide and this is the reason why Black History Month is primordial. So we decided — while on a business trip to Washington D.C. and later being in Chicago for the All Star Weekend — that we would highlight why such a celebration has its importance.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural by DC artist Aniekan Udofia showcasing ‘Black Excellence’, Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), Sports section — Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali, Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
Black History Month is a reminder for us all that the African-American’s story is entirely part of the American’s story as a whole. Despite celebrating this chapter of history in February, keep in mind that — it’s an overlay celebration that runs throughout the entire year worth of acknowledging — not only for the African-American community but for the entire population. It reminds us to reflect on the richness of the American history and the lessons it has taught us. Each year the Black History Month acts as the beacon which helps us move forward as one and reminisce of all the improvements made.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
The origin of Black History Month came as a response to the African-American population’s marginalizing despite the many significant roles they played and their contribution to the story of the USA. Since first being celebrated in 1976, Black History Month is now recognized around the world as a way to pay tribute to the accomplishments and contributions of generations of people of color who fought for a better society and might have been forgotten if not for their courage. For us, it’s also a reminder that progress is not inevitable, but driven by the choices that we make as individuals.
The various people named in the introduction — all took actions as individuals for the greater good of all! For example, Carter G. Woodson PhD holder from Harvard University was the first person to have created the “Negro History Week” which would be the premise of Black History Month. His determination to have important American leading figures remembered translated decades of years later into the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
Indeed, if you ever happen to be in Washington DC, be sure to have on your to-do-list of museums the visit of the NMAAHC. We did truly enjoy to stop over the museum during this specific month. The museum highlights the exploits in every possible field of a portion of Americans that were — for many years during the 20th century — belittled and forgotten.
At LeCircles we celebrate Black History Month because we do care for all these great people that pushed forward the agenda of honing the America’s society by challenging an era where the status quo was just flawed.
May this month be kind to you all.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
Official portrait of 44th President of the U.S.A Barack Obama by Nigerian-American artist Kehinde Wiley, National Portrait Gallery, Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles
Official portrait of 44th First Lady Michelle Obama by Nigerian-American artist Kehinde Wiley, National Portrait Gallery, Washington, District of Columbia(D.C.), USA. ©LeCircles