Talk:Black History Month

Link to Black United Students

Within this Wiki page it is noted that a page for Black United Students "does not exist." A page actually does exist and can be found here: https://www.kent.edu/csi/black-united-students

Semi-protected edit request on 9 November 2024

Many people have criticized Black History Month, and numerous articles highlight these criticisms. Notably, people like Morgan Freeman, along with other Black celebrities, have expressed their views on the subject. As an IP editor, I cannot make this edit, but I respectfully request that a "Criticism" section be added to this article, or at least initiated, to include these perspectives. Thanks. 148.88.245.132 (talk) 12:33, 9 November 2024 (UTC)

This is already in the article in the final ‘Developments’ section. There are elements of criticism also at the end of some of the regional sections. I am not sure if it would make much more sense collated but think it’s a good suggestion as ‘Criticism’ is perhaps a frequent aspect of the subject. Would be interested in hearing others’ thoughts. Rhagfyr (talk) 13:07, 9 November 2024 (UTC)

 Not done for now: please establish a consensus for this alteration before using the {{Edit semi-protected}} template. Shadow311 (talk) 23:54, 9 November 2024 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 2 February 2025

Black History Month is not known as African-American History Month because the intent of Dr. Carter G. Woodson was to celebrate the history of the entire Black Diaspora across the 5 Continents where people of African descent live and contributed to history. - 174.68.38.118 (talk) 18:12, 2 February 2025 (UTC)

Not done... It is not clear what changes you want made. Please format your request as "Change X to Y". - Adolphus79 (talk) 21:59, 2 February 2025 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 5 February 2025

I am requesting to add a short paragraph about Jamaica to Observance by Region. I drafted it with citations, but noticed the article's semi-protected status. After Canada, I wanted to add some info regarding Black History Month (BHM) being celebrated in Jamaica, which coincides with Reggae Month (February). BHM has been of great significance on the island, though not mentioned in the article. It is a period to reflect on adversities/oppression, paying homage to African American pioneers, their contributions and sacrifices, but also Jamaican figures like Marcus Garvey who played a significant role in pan-Africanism worldwide, activists in the US like Harry Belafonte, John Brown Russwurm and Ferdinand Smith et al, and musicians (like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh et al) who used reggae in the fight against apartheid etc. Many people outside of the island, seem to be unaware of the importance of the month for us, but BHM has been more widely commemorated in Jamaica than some of the other places listed. Even in the UK, its introduction coincided with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation and the centenary of the birth of Marcus Garvey. Places like Ireland, France and Africa only started observing it in more recent years, whereas it has held more significance in Jamaica for as long as I can remember (as an 80s baby), yet not mentioned. Also, in the Info Box, if Ireland and Canada are listed, Jamaica should be added in the Observed by line. With that said, how can I proceed to add the paragraph with citations?— Preceding unsigned comment added by Xaymacan (talk • contribs)

We would need to start with reliable sources that we can cite for the addition, then making an edit request with how you want the addition written. And please remember to sign your comments with four tildes (~~~~)... - Adolphus79 (talk) 23:06, 5 February 2025 (UTC)

Ok, thanks! After providing the sources, should I provide the addition (paragraph) with the citations after the relevant sentences? Or should I provide just the text?

Reliable sources:

• Jamaican Information Service (JIS), our government agency which provides official info:

"Black History in Roots Reggae Music". Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

"Black History Month Activities to Lead Cultural Revolution". Jamaica Information Service (JIS). 2013-02-13.

• Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Gleaner, main national newspapers:

"Celebrating Black History Month". Jamaica Gleaner. 2004-02-01.

"The significance of Black History Month". Jamaica Observer. 2024-02-01.

"Dennis Brown concert to kick-start Reggae Month festivities". Jamaica Observer. 2025-01-26.

Karyl Walker (December 12, 2013). "Jamaica hailed for role in anti-apartheid fight". Jamaica Observer.

• The National Gallery of Jamaica website:

"Black History Month". National Gallery of Jamaica.

• The Dread Library, University of Vermont:

Erin Kenny. "REACTIONS TO OPPRESSION: JAMAICA AND SOUTH AFRICA". The Dread Library, University of Vermont.

• The Mail & Guardian, a South African newspaper:

Carsten Rasch (2024-02-02). "Reggae's resistance roots struck a chord in SA". The Mail & Guardian. Xaymacan (talk) 03:13, 6 February 2025 (UTC)

Well, now we are getting into more than just an edit request. I think your best bet would be to write out the section (whatever you want added) in your sandbox, with the proper markup and everything. Then leave a message here or on my talk page, and I or someone else can take a look, make any minor changes that might be needed, and copy/paste it into the article for you. - Adolphus79 (talk) 03:59, 6 February 2025 (UTC)

Ok, thanks. I have drafted it in my sandbox, but I am waiting for the Jamaican government to confirm the year/period we began commemorating it Xaymacan (talk) 17:55, 12 February 2025 (UTC)

You should be looking for that information in a reliable source so that it can be verifiable, otherwise it might be considered original research ("The government told me so" is not an RS). - Adolphus79 (talk) 20:19, 12 February 2025 (UTC)

I know, that's what I did. The source, though reliable, was not clear enough about the exact year we started commemorating it. This is why I reached out to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and Jamaica Information Service, a govt news source. Both national agencies usually make publications on these topics, which are verifiable and accessible online as reliable citations. Thus, the intent is not to write based on "The government told me so", but I'm just seeking clarity, in accordance with the source. Also, it would be good if they could direct me to one of their publications or one from the Jamaica Archives (since I looked but didn't find what I was looking for).Xaymacan (talk) 00:02, 13 February 2025 (UTC)

Addition:

Jamaica

In Jamaica, Black History Month is observed during the month of February, which had been informally adopted by the mid-1990s. Special attention is given to this period as February also marks Reggae Month, which coincides with the birthdates of the King of Reggae, Robert Nesta Marley OM, and the Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown. It has been a time to acknowledge and honour the achievements and inventions of black figures throughout history, and to reflect on liberation, past racial adversity and struggles. During this period, locals reflect on and pay homage to the contributions of prominent African American civil rights activists, and Jamaican activists and pioneers who have been impactful internationally and nationally— like Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Harry Belafonte, Ferdinand Smith, John Brown Russwurm et al. Reggae's role in global social and political activism against apartheid, oppression and inequality, has amplified the significance of Black History Month on the island. Since January 9, 2008, February has been officially declared as Reggae Month, which also celebrates the genre's musical, cultural and economic contributions to the development of the island.

In the past, some critics questioned the rationale and relevance of commemorating an "imported" event to Jamaican contexts— in light of differences in demographics and experiences between the United States and Jamaica, and Jamaicans' penchant of adopting anything emanating from the United States. Others argued for greater attention to local heroes, while demonstrating solidarity with Black Americans.

Xaymacan (talk) 19:07, 17 February 2025 (UTC) Xaymacan (talk) 19:07, 17 February 2025 (UTC)

Removal from Google Calendar

Under "Developments," the article erroneously dates the removal from Google Calendar as "February 2024," when obviously it is February 2025. We should change that ASAP. I also think it would be appropriate to add that users speculate this is related to policy from President Donald Trump, as both the article cited and the forum cited within that article report several users connecting those events. AllostaticShock (talk) 19:28, 11 February 2025 (UTC)