LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Black History Month is a time to reflect on the significant roles Black Americans have played in shaping U.S. history.
For many in America, their first look at Black History begins in school, but who gets to decide what stories are told? And how did the celebration begin?
13 Action News reporter Bree Guy shares the message local teachers hope their students continue to learn and during the month of February.
Watch the full report in the player above.
Carter G. Woodson is considered a pioneer in African-American history.
In 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week.
He chose the second week in February because two African-American trailblazers, Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln, have birthdays during that week.
By 1976, Negro History Week expanded into Black History Month.
Fast-forward to 2021-- black history month is celebrated in numerous ways across the country.
Local history teachers say it's a vital part of their lesson plan, because knowing our past, helps our present.
Late last year, former President Donald Trump started to plan his “1776 Commission” which would create a more -- quote “patriotic” education.
After several events triggered unrest in 2020, the former president said the commission would encourage educators to teach “pro-American” history and counter what he called "left-wing, anti-American Marxist teachings."
Many teachers took opposition to that, arguing it could result in students never learning about certain historical events, no matter how gruesome they were.
One of President Biden's first acts in office was signing executive orders centered around racial equity.
He also rescinded the Trump Administrations' 1776 commission.
