By Jeremy Moore/campus news editor
In America, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month. During this month, it is important that we remember the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout our country’s history.
For African-Americans, sometimes we might forget how our people began in this country. We started out as slaves who had no control over our own lives, but today we have the same privileges as people of different races.
It’s great to see people strive in the workforce because of their credentials and not the color of their skin. This country is filled with successful people of all races.
We know that for many years African-Americans were forced to a lower standard of living because of the color of their skin. We were denied jobs, housing and many other things. Comparing our past to our present is a reminder that we can’t take for granted where we are today.
As college students, we complain many times about the grind and hard work that we go through. We have to remember that men and women died fighting for the rights to get an education. Instead of complaining, we should recognize the great opportunity that we have. From being able to get an education to being able to eat at any restaurant, we have a lot to be grateful for.
The most important thing that we need to do is to honor those who paved the way for us today. Without Earl Lloyd, the first African-American man who played in the NBA, we wouldn’t have LeBron James or Stephen Curry. Without Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice, we wouldn’t have Wallace Jefferson, the first African-American chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court.
For me, Black History Month isn’t just about the well-known figures of our history.
I always thank God for my grandparents, great grandparents and all of my relatives who came before me.
Neither of my grandfathers could go to college, but they worked extremely hard to provide for their families.
Without their hard work, I would not be where I am today.
