A Look at Black History Month
by Kyle Jones, AH Minority Outreach Coordinator
Using a melody that predates the American Civil War, a song known as “No More Auction Block for Me,” would become an anthem encapsulating the ethos of the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. The melody would find accompanying words at the turn of the century when prolific hymnist, Rev. Charles Tindley wrote a version that included the line, “I’ll overcome someday.” Later adopted by striking tobacco factory workers in 1946, it would take on its modern iteration as folk revivalist Pete Seeger reworked and taught his version throughout protest sites across the nation. Historians often consider “We Shall Overcome” the most prominent song of the Civil Rights Movement.
The creation of what was once known as Negro Achievement Week, now celebrated (throughout February) as Black History Month, was a part of Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s contribution in overcoming ignorance about the historical contributions of Black Americans. When I consider the celebration of Black History Month, I often think of how this history is filled with those who sought to overcome hindrances. Hindrances to education, hindrances to equal rights, and hindrances to equal access have remained an atrocious alliance against the betterment of Black life. At Arkansas Hospice, your life matters. And though Arkansas Hospice is affected by such hindrances, we are committed to overcoming them.