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What Black History Month Means to Me

By
Christopher M. Harness

Leadership always develops as society advances. Democracy and diversity is one of the
key elements in American society, but it wasnt always that way hundreds of years ago. During
the nineteenth to twentieth century, African Americans, as well as other races (including women),
having been fighting for their rights, whether it was abolishing slavery, granting suffrage, and
ending racism so that the country, even the world, can become united. Leaders such as Jackie
Robinson, Duke Ellington, and even President Barack Obama have made it possible for any race
or gender to become a leader, an entertainer, and would inspire future generations to stand out
and encourage them to accomplish anything possible.
In school, we learned about the hatred and discrimination of African Americans
throughout history by Caucasians. They were always poorly judged, harshly treated by the
public, including slave owners, and were always limited to what they can become in life.
Growing up in modern society, my generation all treat each other equally, no matter what color,
ethnicity, or background you come from. Black History has taught society that anyone can be
brave enough to stand up for what they believe in. Back in the 19th Century, people like
Frederick Douglass escaped slavery in order to orate against it. They gained many supporters in
the North, and they would help abolish slavery throughout the U.S, and grant suffrage and legal
rights to not just black men, but also women and other races as well, all in different time periods.
It fascinates me as a person, that anyone can stand up for what they believe in despite all the

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discrimination and discouragement by others, and could possibly lead others and encourage them
to do the right thing. These influences also caused many other figures to become entertainers and
pure inspirations.
Being the first to do something might not always be inspiring; sometimes, being the first
to perfect it will get someone noticed. Back in the times where racial discrimination was
extremely common, the white man would always be credited for being the best, or making
something new to the public. Ever since slavery was abolished, African Americans would pursue
in any career they desired, even in the entertainment industry. The Harlem Renaissance, to me, is
one of the most notable Black History accomplishments because it would inspire many to
become artists in literature, music, and in artwork. I am always fond of the styles that these
artists usually performed in, and help inspire me to bring out my inner creativity whenever I
want to experiment with solos in my jazz program, or even write a poem. The figures in Black
History also show that any race can express their culture in any type of media. My favorite
example of this is the African author Chinua Achebe because he issues works of pain and
suffering amongst his people making the reader judge the harshness of life.
Leadership can come a long way from just supporting others. Its what drives the human
being to become a new sensation, or an idol. Idols like Michael Jackson, Jackie Robinson, or
Michael Jordan encourage others to become whatever they want through hard work and
dedication. People like them help motivate me to becoming successful whenever I lack
confidence, or feel like that I just cant get anything accomplished and instead watch my peers
become successful. Their leadership and integrity can truly inspire pure imagination and
accomplishment when setting life goals. The main message they are trying to persuade is that

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anyone can accomplish anything if you put your mind and dedication to it. That is what Black
History Month means to me the most, that anyone can become successful.
Any individual of any race or gender can inspire others to do well in their lives. Black
History Month reminds society that people of a discriminated race can stand up against anyone
who neglects them, and end up doing more successful in life, so why cant the rest? Through
hard work, daring motives, and dedication these figures inspire others so that they themselves
will grow up to be the next entertainer, leader, and that they can truly accomplish anything. It
helps motivate me to accomplish life goals through a tough and challenging time in high school,
and it always helps look at a bright future, even when Im feeling down. Leadership is what
helps drive America, society, and even the world. Black History Month is the prime of example
of helping to create the next leaders, motivators, and inspirational figures of the future!