Is Black History Month Still Necessary?
Monday February 2, 2009
This question has become an intriguing topic of debate, especially now that Barack Obama is president. Historian Carter Woodson originally promoted the celebration to counter racism and promote black progress, but now that Obama has ascended to the presidency, has Woodson’s goals been accomplished? Learn about the arguments for and against the celebration, and come to your own conclusion.
What do you think, is Black History Month still necessary? Vote in this poll.
Comments
I for one can’t believe that there is a question of whether or not we need to still have black history month. Of course we do… Obama becoming president doesn’t erase the history of all the blacks that have come before him nor does it cap the future history that will be made by other blacks. The only reason to ever get rid of black history month is to make the history of blacks in this country a part of American history…. Then and only then will there no longer be a need for black history month.
Black History will always be valid because even though we have a black President we also still have millions of children AND adults who still have no clue about our history. And black President or not racism is still alive and well in America!
Black history is much more than Martin, Malcolm, Rosa and the usual subjects. So until everyone knows the true history keep Black History coming!
Now that all the prejudice and racism is over and African American are finally on equal footing in wealth and prosperity with the rest of the country. We can do away with Black History
No!!!! and I can’t belive I’m saying this but one of the responces made me think. they were right there is alot of black histoy that needs to be told. like blacks owned slaves,like blacks weren’t the only ones that were slaves,like blacks fought for the south, like alot of whites did eveything in there power to help blacks and maybe if not for them slavery would be going on right now today. WE as Americans should only remiber the past (all of it) so that we don’t make the same misstakes or elders have made.
Black history month is not necessary, like stated in the paragraph Carter Woodson got what he wanted as far as blacks history being known. Cuzzz stated “The only reason to ever get rid of black history month is to make the history of blacks in this country a part of American history…. Then and only then will there no longer be a need for black history month.” I remember sitting through boring history class and hearing about black people, I know for SURE that I didnt only hear about white people, so that argument makes no sense. Once you have to sit through and entire month of ONLY learning about another culture, then you can make an argument, until then I say there is no need for it.
Black history month celebrates and remembers a time in history – including things some of us saw and experienced in our own lifetime – the challenges and achievements of black Americans.
Having our first African American president (who is biracial anyhow) does not mean we can forget all our own roots. All Americans should have an interest black history because it is such an important part of the Country’s roots no matter what color your skin is.
Electing President Obama into office does not erase important historical events. It does not nullify, validate, or otherwise suggest racism is “gone.” Suggesting that his rise to leadership somehow negates all the suffering of past black Americans seems, well, insulting to me.
Black history month is a reminder to all Americans about our views, progress, how we treat people, and how we all benefit from the bravery and innovations of black Americans as much as it is about those who overcame (and are still overcoming) racism in America.
Society benefits as a whole when we remember, learn, and embrace. It is when we dismiss and forget, that the worst events in history is more likely to repeat. To prove this point, look at text books in other countries that apply this ostrich approach. The Holocaust, Nanking, and even Rwanda genocide is already being forgotten (some “history” books even deny these events even ever took place or downplay them).
I for one, want to remember and honor, and pray we never forget.
No offense Bodyguard but racism is not over. This country is still extremely racist. The only difference is with the huge array of immigrants it’s not just concentrated on Blacks anymore.
But we still need Black History month. African American’s did so much in this country and we should be recognized for it.
Without the achievement of African American’s we’d still be taking the stairs, sitting in the dark, crashing into each other and writing letters instead of talking on the telephone.
Continuance of it will only serve to promote and maintain racisim. It is time to do away with it
Black history is about forgotten history. I have learned more about the accomplishments of African Americans during the month of February than what was ever taught to me in school.
One month is NOT enough. There should be more months devoted to the contributions of blacks in the history of the world.
“Until lions have their own historians, the tale of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.” African proverb.
The month needs to be expanded, not eradicated. Our accomplishments are legion and not covered in the history books, teaching plans, etc. Publishers will not incur the cost of rewriting books for inclusion nor will school systems willingly incorporate/expand their course of study.
As a child, I learned of distinguished Blacks such as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, etc., during Black History Week. However, I reached adulthood before learning of other esteemed inventors, legislators, educators, professionals, who made significant contributions to mankind. And am still learning. “Who Am I?” exposed great holes in my learning and I thought I was pretty good.
i don’t think it should be done away with it that’s like saying we should do away with the 4th of july or cinco de mayo or any celebration taht deals with someones heritage and since schools don’t teach much black history until black history month that is the only time that our african american children can learn more about their roots besides what they can learn from their parents.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream
Is it really Barack Obama or has the dream yet to come?
Who are the Negro People?
As the new U.S President B. Obama touts about being the embodiment of the late DR. Martin Luther King dream for America, I can‘t help but wonder, who are the people DR. King is talking about when he speaks of the Negro People? Who are the Negro people?
Has anyone taken the time to read and comprehend Dr. Martin Luther Kings I HAVE A DREAM speech, if they did they will notice there is no mention of African people, African struggle, African Americans.
I Have a Dream states “One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.”
He only mentions the condition of the Negro people in their homeland of America and their relationship with the new nation of the United States. At some point in time a person reading this speech should want to clarify, “Who are the Negro People- the blacks as they are identified?” To answer these questions one needs to identify some facts.
What does the term Negro signify? The term Negro people signify the Indigenous American people or Amerindians the colonial term used to represent them is Negro The Negro American race or black Americans represent the continuation of the remaining natural linage and bloodlines of the indigenous American People belonging the land of America before European invasion born from American Indian women. The founding father of the U.S established a new form of society on American soil. In this new society American Indian women and her descendants are used to SERVE as human commodity (slaves) people living in freedom(without their natural rights to self determination) but not being free (collective self determination) in the United States. Negro people represent the descendants from American Indian women or enslaved American Indians of America.
He continues and speaks about the full citizenship promised by the U.S to all Negro people in their homeland, and reveals the fact the U.S has not kept its promise; he states the Negro People have received a “Bad Check”.
“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds”
What is the deal the United States made with the Negro leadership for the Negro people 1868. The U.S. promised “Citizenship” to the Negro people? If a person would do their research, they would find that the 1868 treaty with Abe Lincoln established the Union of the American Indian people as Negros with the United States and the continent of land belonging to the American Indian people was put in a land trust to be governed by the United States in exchange for American Indian people born from American Indian women were to receive full citizenship meaning the same rights as the people who enslaved them and self determination to develop themselves under this new nation umbrella.
Understanding past U.S history explains why Dr. King ‘s dream of seeing an integrated society’s Negro and Euro-American people working as equals in this nation? The big secret is – The Negro People are the people who are allowing the Nation to exist, without their land there is no Nation, with out there peace there is “no prosperity of this Nation” He also threatened the Negro race of people will not rest until they have justice. In other words “NO Justice, NO Peace” All black American people can attest we are not treated equal nor are we treated equally or regarded as citizens,. In 2009 our people still languish on the out skirts of Euro-American society and the Marjory are captured and living in Prisons, our children live in extreme poverty, we lack collective employment as a nation we are on the brink of extinction. The difference today is Negro people as black American for generations have been forced and influence to assimilate into European attitudes and culture they have lost their connection to their ancestral American Indian culture and connection to their Natural homeland. As a result they lack respect, dignity, hope or direction.
Now that some facts have been revealed, the question to ponder is how did the new elected African president become the ideal of DR. Martin Luther King and the Negro People? Or better yet Why is President Barack Obama a European and African decent immigrant being used to personify the dream of Martin Luther King for the Negro people in the Negro Homeland instead of a Negro president for the country that has yet to give them a GOOD check, Wouldn’t a Negro president show the world, the dream of Martin Luther King has for his people finally came to pass? The answer is President B. Obama does not represent Dr. King’s dream he had for the Negro People. President, B Obama represents a distortion of the Dream, and the Negro people are being Con out of their pants again by the Euro- American (U.S) society and (U.S) media at large.
So exactly what is the semantics around Barack Obama? A European and African decent immigrant who is now a Negro Person, or are Negro people becoming Africa immigrants to their homeland thru identifying themselves with Barack Obama. Is there a national identity switch going on? Are the Negro people being duped out of the dept the United States owes them, the one DR. Martin Luther King spoke about? Are today’s Negro people being setup to be permmentily homeless people, with no place to be fruitful and multiply on the planet? If Negro or black American people become immigrants don’t they lose all there human and inalienable rights to live in the U.S, and lose their civil privileges by becoming immigrants to there homeland through identifying President Barack Obama as one of them? Yet he is a Kenyan African not an American Negro? Will this enable the U.S to destroy the dream of Martin Luther King and remove any claim the Negro people have in the Negro Homeland?
LET’S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
As a result, Negro people are being bamboozled again with a new perception that racism has stop in America against them, when in fact the systematic extermination of Negro people are filling up the jails and the graves, the only difference now is that they have a man named Barack Obama to cover over the crimes being committed against them and keep the people invisible and confused. It is a fact most black/Negro people lack education in their heritage, history, and most Negro women have been educated to have little respect for understanding their collective purpose as creators of the race and the sacred Grace we hold- it is woman that nature in trusts to continue their humanity as a valuable part of nature to the planet If they did they would not say they are black and they would understand B Obama is not the first Negro president and recognize and respect Michelle Obama is the first Negro woman in the White house and stand proud because her presence in the White House is a huge strike against the stigma from colonialism of Negro women as inferior woman, while our people understand that the struggle of equality represented by a Negro Man as president has yet to come part of Dr. Kings dream has started but yet to be completely fulfilled. It is up to us not to lose site of who we are and represent, our struggle is not over. It is time to recognize your indigenous identity.
Don’t be fooled by the Hype
History should never be something that dissipates into the background of anonymity. Remembering where we come from helps to celebrate where we are and where we are going.
I agree to some extent that Black History Month, as we celebrate it now, is probably not ‘as’ necessary and relevant as it was when Carter G. Woodson laid the ground work all those years ago. I am a firm believer that in order to educate you can not just hold the month of February hostage and force feed ‘others’ the history of a people and expect them to like it and understand.
We should be inviting people into our history every day by living the life that Dr. King, President Obama and other warriors of freedom fought for and continue to fight for.
I do not believe (and I say this emphatically) that racism is no more just because we have a black president. Years of hatred and violence against a people does not go away over night just because one of us has arrived – even when the ‘us’ represents the many. There is still work to be done. And as Dr. King said (and I’m paraphrasing here) when there is injustice for some of us, there is injustice for us all, and there is still a lot of injustice out there. Thus – we still have more work to do.
think about it everyone. For the people that would say, no, yes it is still necessary are really the people who do not want our country to grow. If you really want our country to grow then you need to allow our teaching styles to grow. Let this country grow by becoming one together. Yes, of course there will be flaws in changing over. There always are in cases like these, but still. We need to grow as a country and become as one together. A whole history to know and learn. Not separate parts.
i as a filipino student, thinks that the black history should be presented and always be remembered. because as everyone knows the american government almost carries the weight of the economic crises of the world and obama being a black american we should know his history so that we know what to expect from him and respect his culture and all the black’s culture.
I think Black History should be taught year round and not just in Febuary.
Black history month is nothing but another thing for afro-americans to complain about. I think that if they dont want to be grateful for the month that was given specifically to them, then they dont deserve it. And honestly, what other race has a month that they can rightfully call their own? I certainly cant think of any..
i think that they should leave black history month bacause we should should know the history alll african american had to do to get it this way because if it wasent for them i wouldnt have been able 2 drink from the same fountain an all the acomplishment the made and they should have more classes the teach a little african american history
*My opinion about black history month is
not to forget nore drop black history month
because some people feel that black history month needs to be celebrated.
*WE NEED TO KEEP BLACK HISTORY MONTH BECAUSE I CELEBRATE IT.
*DONT DROP BLACK HISTORY MONTH BECAUSE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE THATS A SPECIAL DAY
*AND WE GOT A AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT FOR THAT DAY AFRICAN AMERICANS FEEL GOOD.
I dont see any reason to still have black history month. The reason being is because we have just elected Barack Obama as our president, and if this doesent show that blacks and whites are treates more equal in America, I dont know what does. Also, in todays society, both blacks have just as much opportunity as white ppl. so much so that if you wanted you could become a african american president. I also DO NOT agree with the NAACP for this reason. Blacks have just as much opportunity in America as white ppl. NO MORE ALL BLACK COLLEGE EAITHER. there is no all white college, and white history month…We should NOT have black history month anymore!!
What I got to say about Black History Month is that I am against it. Mainly because it has been going on for a long period of time and it is the same thing basically every year. I think that everyone of all cultures know what Black Histroy Month is and respect so there for it does not need to be celebrated every year. The reason im a against it because it starts to make some people of different cultures feel like black people are the only ones with there typical celebration for a whole month. You know we dont do this for christmas or any other holiday so Black History Month stands out and makes it look like we get attetion every year for the same thing over and over again. I just think it’s time for a rest.
I agree with dj. We shouldnt categorize history by culture. History should just be considered history, not american history, nor black history, just history.
i disagree with hope. black history should be taught as a part of the cirriculum. One month designated for blacks seems a bit off.
i disagree that there should be a month of it i think that it should be just in history i think that it shouldnt matter wat month it is we should just be taought about it, it should be mixed in with the cirriculum all year long
well i agree with the teacher that african american should be taught yearly aroundbecause we need to know about everything all the history not just american but african american history
I agree with smoore. There’s no white history month, so why should there be a black?
Okay I diagree with that we should not stop Black History Month. This has been around way before we were born so if anyone makes a choice of stopping it well thats what it has to be I mean were always going to have history with in our culture so I dont see why its that big of a deal if it’s gone or not. At least you know it’s always going to be there.
i disagree wit gwen cuz one month is ok it should be expanded
i agree with teacher becaouse it should be taought all year long not just 1 month
i agree wit regina that not alot of people know alot about black history and the should learn
Well I agree with Mr.president and smoore because if any other culture does not have there own history month we should not have one.
i think we should get rid of black history month because…
A.)some people just dont want to learn about the same people for like 13 yearz of their life.
B.)Iz there native american history month?…or asian or even latin?…dont think so… so if everyone wants black history month i want other history months too…
C.)there is no need for it…it shouldnt even b goin i aint sayin there isnt racism any more its just i want a month dedicated to my races history also…not from da white point of view either…
i disagree with cn2008 we shouldnt have a month for it we should just recognize it as history
I disagree with mike and teacher. We do not need to have Black History Month for a year long then people are really going to start having fits. You should make it where everyone appreciates it. Like all the holidays we should have Black History Month for a day every year. Thats fair enough right there, im black and im gettting tired of Black History Month myself!!!!
and 1 more thing were all american no need to draw lines any more…that is all
I think Black History Month is still necceassary. Even though we have a black president.
I think black history month is still neccasary beacause we have 11 other months where they teach “white history”. If we eliminate Black History Month young kids will never know the struggle and the input of black people in this country. The last resoan why I think we should keep this month is a big part of American history will be lost and we dont want to miss out on history.
I DISAGREE WITH YOU JASMINE. BLACK HISTORY IS A BIG PART OF AMERICAN HISTORY I WE DONT APPRECIATE IT THEN WE MIGHT AS WELL NOT READ ABOUT HISTORY AT ALL.
I DEFINITELY AGREE WITH CN2008. At least somebody understands that it gets tiring celebrating and hearing about it every month of the year!!
i disagree with bodyguard becaouse just that obamas the new president doesnt mean thats why we should get rid of the month
I AGREE WITH U 20ZHOOD U HAVE A GOOD POINT. IF BLACK HISTORY IS NECESSARY THEN ALL OTHER MINORITIES SHOULD HAVE A MONTH DEDEICATED TO THEM AS WELL
I think its ridiculous to have a black history month. Yes black people should be acknowledged for their accomplushments, but i am a student in 8th grade. they ARE acknowledged! The truth of the matter is that blacks weren’t really that influential before the late 1800s. Did black people sign the declaration of independence in 1776? no. did they do much AT ALL before the late 1800s? no. They were mainly slaves. And there are many honorable black historians, but we learn about them daily. and if a child goes to a school where they dont learn about it, their black parents/ gaurdians should teach them.
So there truthfully isnt much black AMERICAN history. If there is trust me–we learn it! we spend about 30 seconds on the invention of the lightbulb by benjamin franklin, and 3 days on the invention of the traffic light. HELLO! you wouldn’t even know what to do with the traffic light without the lightbulb! We dont get a native american, asian, or caucasian history day.
P.S. I used to live in Fayetteville NC. I constantly hear black people complain about being a minority. my school was atleast 80% black.
Now i live in el paso, tx. There are exactly 8 white people in my grade(including me).I have never in my life been a majority.
Since i moved to el paso, people have hated me for what i thought was no reason. then i realized it was because i was white, my dad’s in the military (apparently tht means im “privileged”), and i refuse to smoke pot. I refuse to feel bad becus you are a black or a hispanic “miority”. becus my entire life i have been a white minority.
The truth is i feel the same way about hispanic heritage month (september). Why should we have a black history or hispanic heritage month?
I think Black History Month should still go on today because it is an importaint part of history and I belive that everyone should be equal as they say we should.I belive everyone has a meaning for there color and that everyone is the same as everyone else.People should not be treated diffrently because there skin is a diffrent color.
When is Irish History month? Jewish History Month, German History Month? Polish? Asian History Month? Does everyone know tat Japanese American internment refers to the forcible relocation and internment of approximately 110,000 Japanese nationals and Japanese Americans to housing facilities called “War Relocation Camps”. They were really treated bad especially during the wars when they were rounded up and sent to detention camps just because they were of Asian descent. Do we need a Hispanic History,(the fastest growing population), and the list goes on. What about the original Americans – the American Indians, do they have a month? I think that is one segment of the population that is definitely misunderstood. You get the idea. We would run out out months to celebrate all the cultures that helped make the USA.
Aren’t we supposed to be one nation working together? By continuing to celebrate Black History Month, we are continuing to segregate. The African Americans were not the only people to have suffered discriminations. Yes, many were slaves but some blacks were also slaveowners. Many of the European immigrants came here as indentured servants, which when you think about it is a form of slavery. Some immigrants were forced to work in sweatshops, mills, etc. They were discriminated in many ways.
Why not work together to prevent the type of slavery occurring today? Illegal immigrants are brought over and are forced to work only for the “man”. We also have the sex slavery rings. What about sweatshops?
Let’s just all work together. Let’s rewrite history. Help all people in this country. Think of all the thousands of people of all colors who are homeless. Or elderly and disabled whose houses are falling down around them. Do you regulary check on an eldery or diabled neighbor? Just think of the history lessons they could teach you. The Gulf Coast cities devastated by Hurricane Ike need your help.
What about grandparents having to raise their grandchildren? They need help. They have little money and their houses may need to be repaired. Now they bear the financial burden of raising grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
Today there are so many people be let go as businesses fail. They are going to fall on hard time.
When was the last time you volunteered your time to help someone. Do you volunteer at a “Battered Womans center’?
Are you a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” Can we work together as one to stop the violence in this country? We need to teach our children that violence is not the answer. Drugs are not the answer. So, may children and young adults do not show respect to themselves, their peers, their parents/guardians. How you helped out a youth program in your area? How have you helped our younger generation which is our future learn to get along, to care about others, to show respect to other, to help each other?
We need to fix the USA. The next time you see a picture of some places in other countries who need help, remember we need to help our own people in need. We have Americans living in deplorable conditions with no idea where the next meal is coming.
When was the last time you helped someone in need?
Remember in past history a community pitched in the build a house or barn or provide food when needed. We need to teach ourselves this importance of returning to our roots.
We need a new month – “Americans Working Together as One America to rewrite American History for the good of all now and in the future”
When the major role and forgotten role players in black history are mentioned in American history and not African American history then this subject should be discussed..racism is still here folks..Keep black history alive..
I’m sorry Smoore…white history month are the other eleven months of the year. African Americans especially the young ones need to know their history. It is not taught in American history accurately and the school systems have been unwilling to provide our history accurately.It is necessary to keep Black history month for the American Youth..and to always remember how for we have come.
I VIEW IT AS THIS…ITS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY THAT WOULD BE LIKE TAKING AWAY CHRISTMAS OR EASTER..I MEAN COME ON WHY IN THE HELL WOULD WE NOT HAVE BLACK HISTORY?? I PERSONALLY FEEL I WOULD LIKE MORE THAN A MONTH.. NO I MA NOT AFRICAN AMERICAN BUT WHY DOES COLORE RACE OR GENDER MATTER…IM JUST SO SICK OF JUDGEMENT…DOES EVERONE JUDGE A BOOK BY THE COVER??
Should there still be a Black History month???Black History should be celebrated everyday not just a Month. I’ve never taken a black history class because in our schools we dont have them. And as a black person I have never gotten tired of hearing about what my people have done for my generation today; However There’s more black people who portrayed an intriqued part during the making of black history that we have yet to astablish. So because Obama is the first black president that doesnt erase what used to be that just shows how far we have come and how much things have changed, starting with those who died in the struggle trying to make a change.
this subject is overblown. racism is not the subject nor the debate. black history month is not a “Celebration”. Black history month is one month out of the year where we learn about famous black men and women who have contributed to american history. That in mind since we learn the other 11 months out of the year “white” history. why not be impartial and teach the world about ALL black culture instead of sugar coating “black” history. we teach about past mistakes made by other cultures because history is an impartial subject. this should be a blanket process.therefore i feel we should also teach about mistakes the black culture has made in americas growth along with the sugar coated praise of famous black americans. this is a true example of history being “taught” instead of propoganda. tolerance is meant to be the norm. instead we segregate our history, therefore intolerance is still alive and well