As Black History Month comes to a close, there’s one more perspective to hear from — the African perspective. Black History Month often celebrates the history and impact of Black Americans in America, but the African perspective is not always included in the conversation.

The origins of Black History Month began in the United States, specifically in Chicago, to celebrate Black historical achievements and pivotal moments in America, such as the civil rights movement, the Emancipation Proclamation and the fight for voting rights.

However, celebrating Black History Month by incorporating African history to make historical connections between Africa and Black Americans has become a growing trend. Considering how rich and vast the continent’s history is, should African history — beyond the slave trade — be incorporated into Black History Month?

“From my point of view, we don’t see it as Black. We just see it as history. When you come to America, it’s a different point of view,” said Kwesi Quagraine, a college graduate immigrant from Ghana who studied at University of Ghana. “The only reason I feel like it should be incorporated is because that’s where Black Americans actually came from.”

Quagraine, who has been in the United States for more than two years, said that in Ghana, people don’t really see race because everyone is Black, so racism was not a major issue. Still, Quagraine recognizes Black History Month as a celebration of how far Black Americans have come. However, he also acknowledged that some prominent political figures misuse the celebration to perpetuate racial tension — the very thing many Black historical figures fought to end.

On the other hand, Patience Dadzie, an innovation and quality management major and graduate student from Ghana at Park University, does not believe African history should be part of Black History Month.

“I’m really proud of the leaders who fought for Black freedom here in America,” Dadzie said. However, she believes Black History Month is its own celebration, focused on the hardships and achievements that advanced societal change for the Black community in the United States.

As Black History Month continues to evolve, diverse perspectives help shape the conversation around this national celebration. But the question remains: Should Black History Month evolve to include African history, or should it remain distinctly an American commemoration?