Celebrating your culture’s history matters. Here’s why.
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As another February winds down in various quarters of the nation, people will partake in the penultimate festivities, various celebrations, and acknowledgments of the history of people of African descent. To put it more bluntly, Black History Month will go out with a bang!
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, 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 have 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. These are the people who see such celebrations as separatist, divisive, and to a degree, ethnocentric. The dissent is real.
Well, the fact is much of mainstream American society and culture has been deeply segmented, segregated, and balkanized (particularly along racial lines centuries before the idea Black history month was ever conceived, let alone implemented as an annual event. Therefore, for all you who take issue with the idea of Black History Month, (and the majority of critics tend to be conservative White men) 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 a drain on or a menace to society, Black History Month often serves as a needed slice of factual history, an 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.
- Black History Month (especially in recent years) showcases the diversity and pluralism that has always been in ample supply in the Black community. Such diverse exposure demonstrates that the Black community is not a monolith but rather a great mosaic of talent.
- The fact is Black Americans are not the only group of people who intensely celebrate their history. Here are a few other periods of celebrations of which you may be aware: March (Women’s History Month), April (Arab American Heritage Month), May (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage), June (LGBTQ Pride), September 15 to October 15 (Hispanic Heritage Month) and November (Native American Heritage Month).
Anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc., should not be hesitant to embrace their entire selves. Black History Month provides Black Americans (as well as others) with more than a source of pride and admiration. It also serves as a crucial reminder to reflect upon Black leaders and triumphs of yesteryear, a history that has largely defined with blood, sweat, pain, setbacks, victories, and tears.
To be sure, there are still many ills which afflict the Black community that must be aggressively confronted. Misguided naysayers, such as actress and current FOX News pundit Stacey Dash, many White conservative radio hosts, columnists, and others who argue for the abolition of Black History Month seem to have little if any apprehension in promoting and endorsing various aspects of Eurocentric culture.
There is nothing wrong with pumping up the volume on Black History during one specific month.
Photo credit: Getty Images
I agree with what he said about not relegating Black history to just one month of the year. We should celebrate it all year just as other groups should do the same. That being said, thee is nothing wrong with carving out one month where you intensify the contributions of your group.
Elwood Watson, Ph.D.
Author of Article
Personally, I like what Morgan Freemen said on 20 Minutes