By Michael Payne
March 20, 2026

Black History Month has been recognized in the United States each February for nearly 50 years, but the annual observance continues to spark debate in the country. While many citizens, educators, and community leaders say the month is important for recognizing the contributions of Black Americans, critics argue that separating history by identity can divide Americans rather than unite them.

Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926. It was created by Historian Carter G. Woodson to highlight the achievements of Black Americans that were often ignored in textbooks. Woodson chose the second week in February because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, President Gerald Ford expanded Negro History Week to Black History Month in 1976.

GCC’s Student Engagement and Inclusion (SEI) Associate Meghann Bernard works with GCC’s Student Government Association to organize Black History Month programming on campus. This year’s Black History Month event at the college was the “Black History Month Vibe-Out,” held at the Student Union on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2026. The event included a soul food lunch, music, games, and a presentation by Black history Historian David Shakes. “It’s important to show the value of all Americans,” Bernard said.

GCC student Ashton Drought said, “Black people have been undervalued and treated poorly and celebrating Black people’s contributions to America this way is necessary because our nation’s history has been whitewashed.” While many people agree with Drought, some are critical of the celebrated month. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has criticized Black History Month. During an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, Kirk said, “I don’t believe Black History Month is worth the kind of full month that it is, at all.” The episode is on Media Matters. In the same discussion, Kirk referenced comments made by actor Morgan Freeman during a 2005 interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes. In that interview, Freeman said, “I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.”

Black History Month continues to be recognized across the United States each February through school programs, community events, and campus activities. While some people believe the observance is important for recognizing the contributions of Black Americans, others argue that those contributions should simply be part of the country’s overall history.

The discussion around Black History Month reflects the different ways people think about how history should be taught and remembered. For some, events like the Black History Month Vibe-Out at Genesee Community College show that the observance still plays a role in bringing people together to talk about history and culture. Michelle Obama said, “Black History Month is a chance for us to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans that have shaped the story of our nation.”