MLK Day, Black History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month Still Matter

By: Eugene Collins

As the nation observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month, some have questioned their relevance. However, history shows that these observances were hard-fought victories that serve as crucial reminders of contributions that have often been overlooked or erased.

A Long Fight for Recognition

Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested 29 times and ultimately assassinated for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, it took 15 years after his death for MLK Day to become a federal holiday. Even then, states like Arizona and South Carolina refused to recognize it until the 1990s, with Arizona losing the 1991 Super Bowl in response to the backlash against its decision.

Black History Month, originally established as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, was expanded to a full month in 1976 after decades of advocacy. Woodson created this celebration because schools often neglected to teach Black history, ignoring the significant contributions of Black individuals in America—from inventing the traffic light, gas mask, and open-heart surgery to helping build the White House itself.

Similarly, Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15 to commemorate Latin American independence days, highlights the impact of Latino communities. Mexican vaqueros influenced cowboy culture; Puerto Rican and Mexican-American soldiers served in segregated battalions during World War II; and labor leaders like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta fought for fair wages, benefiting American workers to this day.

More Than a Celebration

These observances are not just about history—they are about accountability. They ensure that the contributions of Black and Latino communities remain part of the national dialogue.

If we do not tell our story, history will erase us once again. These observances remind the world that we are here, we have always been here, and we will not be forgotten.