As a clear message for individuals opposed to Black History Month, senior Kendra Carter said, “I say everyone should be proud of who they are,” said Carter. “Just because we are pro black doesn’t mean we are anti anything else, so this should not be something that is frowned upon but encouraged.”

February has been dedicated to not only those of the African American race but their achievements and their rising up from once being known as the “inferior race.” Yet recently there has been national controversy involving whether Black History Month should continue.

“In history books we don’t get that much exposure to it; it’s more like ‘oh’ slavery and then ‘oh’ Martin Luther King Jr.,” said senior Kimberly Hills. “I feel like I shouldn’t have to learn about this through social media. I should see this in my textbook because it’s a part of history.”

The United States is known for being a melting pot, and with that each ingredient of the melting pot has a history. In school, learning about numerous events involving people of different ethnicities is supposed to be a part of the curriculum. So, to some, it may only seem right that the history of African Americans is discussed during this time of year.

“It’s a huge part of American history,” said U.S. and World History teacher Eugene Hubl. “So, you can’t really talk about American history without talking about certain things. You wouldn’t be effectively teaching U.S. History if you don’t talk about the black or African-American experience.”

But do the textbooks include everything? Social Studies Department Chair Audrey Weir-Graham said that “Often when history is written not only are people left out, but we look at history through rose tinted glasses to make our story what it is.”

Black historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman are often mentioned for the contributions they made to improve society. However, while their stories take up large portions of the textbooks, many others remain untold.

“What we have been doing is a booklet, and on every page students are to put a person or event involving black history,” Hubl said. “I handed out a list of people and events that they can reference because, although people like Martin Luther King Jr. were great, there are so many other African American people responsible for great things.”

Weir-Graham said how vital it is that students understand that “Black history is American history,” she said. “American history is history within the world, and within the context we have to understand that story.”

However, some argue that Black History Month is unnecessary. These individuals have a strong belief in equality and are eager to see unity instead of separation by what may seem as a form of temporary segregation.

“I feel that Black History Month should not be celebrated because it is adding to segregation,” said junior Jalend Dinwiddie. “I think it is taking away from the overall equality; so there should not be any holidays or celebrations for any particular race because we should all be equal.”

Not everyone has the same opinion on national ethnic celebration. “This country is a country of immigrants, and this country was built around the ideal that we want to improve our lives no matter where we came from,” said Tara Hayes, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History and AP Government. “I think students need to understand that since the beginning of this country white and black have been together, working to build this nation into what it is.”

“I don’t really celebrate Black History Month but for those who do, I would say for them it represents a lot of good things that has happened to their people,” said junior Desmond Espinoza.

Some may see this month as meaningless but, “If every single day of the year we were acknowledged, recognized, or celebrated, maybe we wouldn’t need to designate one month of the year to black history,” said actor and black activist Nate Parker, speaking at Pacific Monday night. “And the question is why do we need Black History Month? Well, without it, we would disappear.”

So, “Do we still need to dispense cultural history? Absolutely,” said Weir-Graham. “Should it be inclusive? Absolutely. It hasn’t happened yet, but until it happens I think we have a responsibility as educators to engage our minds to become aware and open our hearts to show we care.”