While the accomplishments of African-Americans can be celebrated all year long in the world, the month of February is marked as a month when Americans focus on the contributions of African-Americans to the American society, in honour of transformational achievements by African-Americans in all walks of life.

It started way back in 1926, by an African-American historian. Chosen because of historical events that had taken place in February and also for having some monumental effects, such as the 15th amendment which gave right to blacks to vote, they were rarely mentioned in history until the founding of black history month. It is against this background that February was set aside as a month when black history is celebrated everywhere in the world.

The US embassy in Banjul took it upon itself to join others in celebrating this event. Last Thursday, some staff of the US embassy in Banjul led by Tashawna Bethea, political and Economic Affairs Officer at the US embassy visited the Gambia College as part of the ongoing celebration. During the visit, a paper was presented on the history. Ms Tashawna also spoke to students and shared with them the history of the African-American people and the importance of the month.

According to her, traditionally, American history books only mention one prominent African-American who was a nameless slave and servant. She spoke of the importance of education as it is  the most effective way to reduce poverty. She described education as a catalyst for human development that provides people with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and participate in today’s world. According to her, the black history month celebration started in 1926 by an African-American historian, Carter G. Woodson.

She also said that the vision earlier noted that in order for African-Americans to advance, they needed to be educated. "In the late 19th century, a college for black students started in box cars (Atlanta University) and church basements (Spelman College). Mary Mcleod Bethune, one of the nation’s foremost black educators, also opened a college in 1904 with $1.50 and 5 students. Today there are 106 histocal black colleges and universities in the United States," said Ms Bethea.