Black History Month is the tribute of recognizing the past achievements and ongoing contributions African Americans have accomplished nationally and globally. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson was the original founder of this cultural celebration. Born from parents who were ex-slaves and who could not read or write, he was determined to attend school and to earn a college degree. The turning point in his life was when none of the courses he took included the history of Black Americans. In his search for the true history of people of African descent, while attending Harvard University, he established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History on February 19, 1926. He established "Negro History Week" as a way to share knowledge about Black people around the world. His work with white scholars helped to neutralize the racial stereotypes and the ignorance of the history of African Americans. Today, Negro History Week has expanded to the entire month of February. Similar Black Heritage celebrations have begun throughout the African Diaspora (Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas). This has created greater emphasis on the history, the culture, and the dreams of the Black community.
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Nearly fifty years ago, it was believed that the contributions of people of African descent were limited to human civilization as conveyed by the works of American and European scholars. The continent of Africa was viewed as a place of "darkness" that exhibited little or no history. It was through ignorance and racism that these beliefs permeated within European society. Europeans used religion and the social construction of race to justify the exploitation, colonization and massacre of people of color around the world. This barbaric practice devastated indigneous cultures, created widespread poverty, and brought a sense of hopelessness among future generations. Many people of African descent accepted these beliefs as facts while simultaneously denied their own heritage. Today, with numerous books on African Diaspora history and culture, hopefully, these fallacies can be erased from the minds of future generations (Click here to read 'African-American History Course Mandatory in Philadelphia Schools').
The American educational system continues to limit its emphasis on African American history in the classroom. Black children attend school without learning or knowing their own cultural heritage. The mass media continues to project negative images that portray African Americans as poor, ignorant, promiscuous, aggressive and violent. African Americans throughout history have addressed these steroetypes by distinguishing themselves as intelligent, beautiful, proud, and respectable citizens. Some black experience very low self confidence levels because they accept these negative stereotypes. These students also do not have access to positive role models, who can guide and counsel them into a world of confidence and self-motivation. No other racial/ethnic group than African-Americans and Native Americans has suffered "more defamation of character through distortion, omission, suppression of information, and genocide" in America. (Asa Hilliard, "Why We Need Black History Month")
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People of African descent cannot impose the past mentality of slavery upon their children:
African Americans, as slaves and freedmen, fought back to end those unforgiving words that were oppressive during slavery and after the Emancipation Proclamation.
They told the world that they wanted equality, citizenship and humanity. They did not want to continue to work as cattle for their slave masters.They told the world they also felt pain and sorrow. They cried when their families were separated apart to be sold. They cried when slave masters used whipping and torture devices to deprive them their own humanity.
They told the world that they could also read, write and reason. They were not the senseless and incompetent coon/Sambo shown by popular media. African Americans became doctors, lawyers, educators, social workers and more. Slave masters feared intelligent slaves who were not content with their lots.
They told the world that they do not have to obey or depend on a master. Slaves and freedmen established many forms of resistance that involved making quilts, administering poison, running away, starting slave rebellions, writing slave narratives and delivering anti-slavery speeches.
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Many scholars have discovered that there is an "anti-knowledge" attitude that has permeated the African American community. Too many black children believe that if they receive academic honors and take advanced courses, they are “acting white” and are considered "sellouts" among their peers. Children should not believe these attitudes. There should be no excuse why children avoid picking up a book to educate themselves about their people. African Americans should know why black children consistently perform poorly on academic exams among their white and Asian peers. Music videos, sports, drugs, and fashion magazines should not replace education when many black children cannot read at their grade level or compute fractions into decimals. This "anti-knowledge" attitude will continue to deprive future generations of the vast number of opportunities that individuals, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, fought to acquire for all Americans. The value and significance of education is too priceless to lose. The value of education and poverty and ignorance if African Americans do not place education at the top of their agendas.
The American economy has changed from an industrial sector to a service sector. The service sector has provided a two-tiered system of occupations: low-paying unskilled labor (e.g. retail, fastfood) and high-paying skilled labor (e.g. law, finance). While high-paying manufacturing jobs have been disappearing every year, future high-paying jobs will require advanced education and training beyond the high school diploma. A solid high school academic transcript can lead to multiple scholarships and college choices. Young black college graduates are in high demand in the professional and educational fields. A college degree and marketable job skills are essential to attain a successful career pathway. Black leaders have always emphasized education as the most important tool for the advancement of the race. African Americans must continue to stay focus and to appreciate the significance of education.
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Morgan Freeman recently stated in the media that having a month dedicated to African American History is 'ridiculous.' He stated, 'I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history.' (Click here to read USA Today Freeman criticizes black history month) African American history should be inclusive across the curriculum in all subject areas. In 2002, New Jersey became the first state to incorporate African-American history into the K-12 public school curriculum (Chick here to read the successful passage of the Amistad Act in New Jersey). Educators should expand their curriculum to include famous individuals and events that make up the total African American experience. In essence, "Black history is American history."
Black History Month came into existence because Dr. Carter G. Woodson saw this celebration as a vision of cultural empowerment and expression. The education of the people on the many struggles and movements of African Americans has to be inclusive in American history. Today, the emergence of African American Studies in colleges and universities across the nation recognize the progress and legitimacy of studying the African American experience despite widespread skepticism against this field of study. College students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can take courses in African American Studies to enhance their understanding of African American history and culture. The history of African Americans will continue to motivate students to greater triumphs and opportunities.
[Revised 22 January 2006.]
