How significant is Black History Month?
Corey I. Lindner, Youthlink Writer

What is the purpose of Black History Month? What does it mean to you as a member of the black community? Youthlink picked the brains of three teens to get their answers.

What is the purpose of Black History Month? What does it mean to you as a member of the black community? Youthlink picked the brains of three teens to get their answers.

JASON BROWN

"Black History Months sheds light on our achievements, our resiliency and our will to survive. That, in and of itself, makes it very important to me as it allows me time to pause and reflect on how much we have advanced as a race that was once looked upon as totally inferior."

If you could change the month in which it is celebrated, to which month would you change it?

"I would change it to August, seeing that it's summer and during that time people are liberated, thus giving them more time to conceptualize and partake in activities to celebrate our [the black race] history."

Jason Brown believes that if Black History Month were to be celebrated in August, then more people would have a chance to participate in commemorative activities.

DANA HYLTON

"To me, Black History Month symbolizes our [the black race] struggle, our fight for approval and equality, our creativity and our positive impact on the world. All these manifestations of Black History Month make me grateful, blessed and proud to be black."

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

"I celebrate Black History Month through the music I consume and my sense of fashion. I listen to the sounds of veteran black artistes like Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt and Whitney Houston. In addition, I also wear more traditional clothing that's representational of our roots [as black people]. "

Dana Hylton celebrates Black History Month via her choice and music and clothing.

ALLANDO CAMPBELL

"Black History Month for me is a time of reflection. It allows me to salute those who have fought for my physical freedom and those who have contributed immensely to the improvement and upliftment of our society and world at large."

Which black person who has changed history do you admire and would like to emulate?

"Barack Obama because he demonstrates that we [black people] can go anywhere and do anything despite our race or what others may think of us. He symbolizes hope for our race through his attire, diction, actions and materialization of his visions.

Allando Campbell admires Barack Obama for the way he dresses, speaks, what he does and how he has managed to materialize his dreams.