Porch Talk: Maury County reflects on Black History Month
February is celebrated and observed as Black History Month.
Recognized in the U.S. and abroad in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the month-long event inspires events and gatherings for communities to reflect on the rich history and importance of Black leaders and culture.
Initially introduced by historian Carter G. Woodson as Negro History week in 1926, the month-long event serves as a time when institutions inspire their communities to consider the Black experience.
Each year, the Association for Study of African American Life and History introduces a theme for the month-long observation.
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This year’s theme, Black Health and Wellness, acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine as well as other forms of care, including birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths and herbalists.
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Residents in Columbia can consider the historical significance of the Maury County Colored Hospital, which operated from 1923 inside a one-story brick home located at 506 East 7th Street.
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In celebration and observance of this important month-long event, The Daily Herald sought the community’s input about what Black History Month means for them.
“I think it is very important for everybody. Keep in mind February is the shortest month. We should observe Black history every month. We should come together more. We should come together and consider what it means to be human. We need to come together as one and communicate with one another everyday. Black people deserve a month; people form Asia deserve a month; the Middle East, white people deserve a month. I am for the human race."
— Troy Bullock, Columbia
"When I was at Whitthorne Middle School that was the first year of integration in Maury County. It is a time to remind everybody of all the progress that has been made and the achievements that people of color are responsible for. One thing that comes to mind for me is the movie 'Hidden Figures.' Let’s take this time to bring up the things that people have done that have remained buried for years."
— Wayne Romesburg, Columbia
"My thoughts on stuff like that is plain and simple: We would be cast out for having a white history month. I know that is such a tough a subject. I don’t disparage folks for having their own month, but it should be equitable. It don’t impress me at all."
— Daniel Hartsfield, Columbia
"I want to celebrate the history itself and how far we came. There are a few people I want to recognize. February is my dad's birthday. My Paw Paw, Anthony Booker, is a pastor at Shelbyville Church of Christ. He helps a lot of people. In 2017, I got baptized. He is one of my mentors. He is a knight — a good person. If I have a problem, I can go to him. He has always been around church."
— Jaidyn Phillips Booker, 14, Columbia
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Porch Talk: Maury County reflects on Black History Month
