What Does Black History Month Mean To Me? By Jivan Jaipaul Third grade, age 9

In my opinion, I think Black History Month is a time to recognize and pay respect to the powerful actions taken by Black Americans in the United States of America. Many Black Americans carried out very good deeds and helped many people. Now, all of us have civil rights. First, Black History Month in February is a month of giving thanks to Black Americans for standing up for equal rights for all people of color. Black Americans fought hard for equal rights in America. Examples of equal rights are the use of public facilities, schools, and buying a house. Next, this month teaches us to let go of prejudices. Prejudices are pre- formed opinions not based on a reason or an actual experience. When people act on these prejudices against others, it is called discrimination. Last, some important Black Americans in history are Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, and Ruby Bridges. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 about all black people one day having the same rights as everyone else in America. In this speech, he wants, “a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” For his work fighting racial inequality in a peaceful way, Martin Luther King, Jr. was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Rosa Parks did not give up her bus seat for a white person in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead, she fought for what was right and did not give in even when she went to jail. Because of her bravery, the law for public transportation changed for Black Americans. George Washington Carver was Black American born into slavery and became an agricultural scientist that improved the topsoil farmers use by planting peanuts and sweet potatoes. Ruby Bridges was six years old when went to William Frantz Elementary School after she had to pass a test to allow her to attend this all white school. President Eisenhower had the U.S. Marshals take Ruby to and from school because so no one would hurt her. The white children bullied her, but she was still nice to them. She prayed for them to one day change their minds about Black Americans. These Black Americans are famous for what they did and loved by many Americans. In conclusion, I think Black History Month is an important time for all of us to acknowledge and show appreciation for the actions taken by Black Americans for all races. All of us benefit from the progress made by Black Americans.