Black History Month, Jason Shaw, MA, LCPC
February marks the annual celebration of Black History Month, a time of remembrance and
celebration of Black history. It began in 1926 by historian, Carter G. Woodson, when he
announced the second week in February, coinciding with President Abraham Lincoln and
Abolition/Social Reformer Frederick Douglass’ birthdays, as “Negro History Week.” Woodson
saw this time as an opportunity to not only focus on the history of African Americans but also
found it essential in the preservation of physical and intellectual survival stating, “If a race has
no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the
world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. 1 ” Since, it has expanded to be the entirety
of February continuing to honor and celebrate Black stories, cultural figures, and other important
moments in Black History.
In observing this time, it is important to remember Black History Month for what it stood for
during those times: a way for Black Americans to combat racism and hurtful narratives with
truth and fight for equal rights. To remember that point is to reflect on the past in an honest way
and to challenge ourselves to continue to do so in our present day. In the year 2023, there are
many opportunities for that to be done, especially in the mental health field where of those who
receive services, only 13% are Black 2 , 3% of therapists are reporting as Black 3 , and access to
mental health services negatively impact Black people at an extremely high rate.
Whether you are a (potential) client or a member of the mental health field, here are a few things
you can do to be an active participant in observing and remembering Black History Month:
● Advocate for better access to mental health services whether that be through writing to
local politicians or offering free/reduced services for intentionally under-resourced
communities.
● Grow in being anti-racist through learning, listening, and then action. Find material by
Black creatives, authors, and civil rights activists and engage in it to be able to walk away
with a solid understanding and foundation to call out racism when it is happening.
● Be willing to make mistakes. No one is perfect and no one is going to get it right each
time, so be willing to hold yourself and others accountable while also extending grace.
● Celebrate Black history outside of February. Understand that Black History is a part of
American History and should have equal acknowledgment and celebration throughout the
year as such.
● Volunteer and donate. Whether that be financially, emotionally, or physically showing
up, do what you can to take action to advocate for those who are part of underrepresented
communities.
● Destigmatize mental health. There is often a general mistrust of medical professionals
due to the history of misdiagnosing and exploitation. Working to change the narrative and
create welcoming environments to help destigmatize is important work to increase access
to help for Black people.
Woodson, C. G. (1926). Negro History Week. The Journal of Negro History, 11(2), 238–242.
https://doi.org/10.2307/2714171
Terlizzi, E. P., & Zablotsky, B. (2020, September 23). Products – Data Briefs – Number 380 –
September 2020. CDC. Retrieved December 13, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm
American Psychologocial Association. (2020, November 1). Psychology’s workforce is becomingmore diverse. American Psychological Association. Retrieved December 13, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/11/datapoint-diverse