The Elimination Of Black History Month?
Every year when we approach February, Black History Month (BHM), I partake in my annual ritual. I search the web looking for events celebrating the many contributions African Americans have made to this country and throughout the world.
It seems to be the one time of year that television programming as well as events in museums, libraries and art galleries feature people of African descent. Very similar to watching a show in which African Americans are the dominant or exclusive subject matter and all of the commercials have so called black themes.
Michael E. Ross ,author of “The End of Black History Month” from The Root, is suggesting now that the United States elected an African American president, it is therefore time to eliminate BHM.
The author is absolutely correct when he says:
The issue of continuing Black History Month isn’t really a debate over its value or the worth of expanding it to a yearlong event or a decade-long event.
It’s realizing the most important thing about history in general and black history in particular, is that it provides a springboard, a lesson plan for
the future.
He later says that African American history is American history.
All true.
The problem is what it has always been, the history taught in the schools is not inclusive.
Discussing “The Dream” of Martin Luther King or approaching the subject of slavery by mentioning Harriet Tubman does not equal inclusion.
The logic suggesting that a African American being elected president of this country equates to the achievement of a balanced society, well to put it nicely is off. The appointment of New York State Governor Patterson, did not “automagically” eliminate;
- 70 percent unemployment among people who are blind or visually impaired
- Lack of accessible transportation
- in accessible currency, websites, software, consumer electronics
It just doesn’t work that way!
The time to eliminate Black History Month is when;
- History books reflect the truth- Black history does not begin with Slavery. Explain that African civilization was exactly that, civil. History, mathematics, engineering, art and so on were thriving way before Europeans stepped off their ships.
- Class discussions include the Contributions from people like Crispus Attucks to Malcolm X and so many others in between
- So called African American programming is not just marketed and aired during February.
The election of President Obama is progress, it is not the finish line.
Carter G. Woodson would roll over in his grave!