I grew up in the 60’s and the running phrase was that we lived in “turbulent times”. In retrospect, certainly those times were no more turbulent than those we live in right now. Then the focus was Viet Nam, Hippies and Black Power. Today it is the border, terrorism, and yes, social media. But the truth is, though the topics may differ, the activities are the same. Them and us. Fear what you aren’t familiar with. Don’t trust different. And when will we ever learn we are all God’s creatures; precious in his eyes? We do just fine one on one but from a distance, not so much. The further away from “them” we get, the more fearful, the more suspicious, the less kind, we become. We form opinions based on here say or even worse, on calculated rhetoric designed to pull us apart.
That is why anything that gives us the opportunity to look at one another with appreciation, with respect and with a genuine appreciation of the rich heritage that comes from the diverse nature of this country could not be more important. And in that spirit, here are the words of some of our best minds on why celebrating our combined history is truly strengthening, life affirming and honorable.
Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February all over the United States. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and professor established the Negro History Week in 1926 to commemorate the efforts and hard work of African Americans to the American society. The development of Black History Week to a full month was proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969, and they held their inaugural celebration one year later, in February 1970. The month of February was reserved for celebrating and recognizing the contributions and determined efforts of numerous African Americans who helped carve American society, values, culture and tradition. He wanted black Americans to enjoy the same status and adulation as their white counterparts.
Although this month was mainly established to celebrate and honor the work of African Americans, it signifies unity and recognition cutting across racial and geographical barriers. Black History Month is an integral part of our nation’s tradition in which we continue to promote positive examples of poignant historical events, exemplary leaders and steps towards societal change. This remembrance is not only deeply meaningful for the African American community, but imperative for the greater understanding of national and world history. It therefore holds a very special position and importance in today’s world where the importance to highlight the work and effort of every single citizen is honored and celebrated.
‘The belief was that if the country understood the contributions and sacrifices made by, for example, black people who served in the military during the second world war, it would undermine white people’s notions of black inferiority.’ Photograph: Afro Newspaper/Gado/Getty Images
“One can tell a great deal about a people, about a nation, by what it deems important enough to remember: what graces the walls of its galleries? What elements of a country’s identity are featured in its national museums? What images appear on its currency and what holidays are celebrated?
I would suggest, however, that one learns even more by examining what a nation chooses to forget.” Lonnie Bunch. Lonnie G. Bunch III (born November 18, 1952) is an American educator and historian. He has spent most of his career as a history museum curator and administrator. He is the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“History, and the ability to learn from history, is what makes us human. African American history is America’s history. Our ability to learn from it, not repeat it, and to live up to the promise of our beloved Constitution all fall on understanding an accurate history.
We will not improve race relations, and we will be vulnerable to outside enemies, as long as our people grow up with elementary and secondary school histories that ignore African American humanity and achievement; minimize the horrors of slavery and colonialism (King Leopold of Belgium’s tortures in the Congo, slavery tortures, the trade in flesh for the legalized rape and pleasure of planters [3]); refer to slavery and African American oppression with no discussion of resistance, achievement, excellence or the multiracial nature of that resistance; and ignore the illegal terror and corruption used to punish African American success and resistance.” Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton, professor of history at UW-Eau Claire, and a former military analyst, talks about her passion in teaching and how history plays a role in today’s society.
“Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington, or from some of our sports heroes. There are well-meaning attempts to do that all around us, from classrooms to corporate ad campaigns. But we know that this should be more than just a commemoration of particular events.
It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.” Barack Obama
471
previous post
