Black History

I have always found it odd that black history month fell in the shortest month of the year. Just seemed like another way to disrespect blacks in this country. Ergo, my ignorance pronouncing itself once again. Something I will tell you, and claim, often occurs. Turns out that Mr. Carter G. Woodson established this month in honor of Abe Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both of whom were born in the month of February. Don’t know if everyone else new this, but I thought that I would share.

Anyways, we have reached this time of year when we once again reflect on the contributions of those from African American descent. I think this is an important month and time to make all aware of a history that is often forgotten or ignored in history books. It is a shame that Black history simply does not come from the study of American history, but it does not. At least in my time in school it was not. But I think the saying goes something like, “history favors those who tell it.” Of course we know who has written most of the history books we study in public school. The impression you could get simply from history in the text often is that blacks mainly contributed labor (a very important part) to the building of this nation. Or how blacks were treated similarly to cattle and they were uneducated. It is no wonder that often blacks are viewed in a somewhat negative light (along with many other things).

Blacks have a rich culture that should be known by all. The same should go for all races that are a part of this country’s history. These things should be taught as a part of American History. You want to improve education, well include an all encompassing view of this country’s history that emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of all races. It could just be me that took these impressions from history class growing up. I remember hearing about melting pots and yada yada… Yet it still felt like white America with others playing minor roles.

This month is what we have to celebrate African American history and ensure it is recognized as it should be. It is our individual effort that will help these facts become common knowledge by retaining, sharing, and attaining the information learned this month. We should educate our children when our text books come up short and exclude or mislead the black contribution in history. If we do not, history will never equally reflect all.