Another February is upon us. This also means that, in various quarters of the nation, people will engage in various celebrations and acknowledgments of the history of people of African descent. To put it more bluntly, Black History Month will be all the rage for the next few weeks.
For those of you who are unaware of its origins, the tradition of Black History Month originated in 1926 when esteemed Black historian and journalist Dr. Carter G. Woodson created what was at the time referred to as Negro History Week. The purpose of this was to coordinate the teaching of Black history in public schools. Woodson is considered by many academics to be the father of Black history.
While there were many Black studies departments and public organizations who engaged in month-long celebrations honoring individuals and events associated with Black culture, it was not until 1976 (the bicentennial) that Black History Month was officially designated by President Gerald Ford.
It should go without saying that Black History Month is indeed relevant. However, we still have a segment of people out there (including some people of color) who have taken issue with having such a celebration. The dissent is real. Therefore, for all you who take issue with the idea of Black History Month, hopefully the following will assist you in freeing your myopic mind.
· Black people have a distinct, complex and vibrant history. This is true of all ethnic and religious groups. That being said, the history of Black Americans in this nation is vastly distinct from others given the religious, economic, social, psychological and educational experiences. By exploring Black History Month, the nation is paying homage to a group of people who are strong, resilient, creative, largely committed to religion, spiritual, innovative, largely forgiving, distinctive and have contributed greatly to the enhancement of America.
· In a society where Black people are often routinely depicted as drains on and menaces to society, Black History Month often serves as a needed slice of factual history and opiate of sorts to counterbalance such routinely negative narratives.
· While the situation has improved somewhat, the fact is that distinctive and notable accomplishments of Black Americans are often marginalized and, in some cases, dismissed from the public discourse.
