From Jessica McElrath,
Your Guide to African-American History.
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Poll: Is Black History Month still necessary?

Black History Month, A Needless Celebration?

For years now, there has been an ongoing discussion about whether Black History Month is still necessary. Critics of the holiday, like actor Morgan Freeman, strongly believe that Black History Month is not just unnecessary but “ridiculous.” According to Freeman in a December 2005 60 Minutes interview, black history should not be relegated to a month. In fact, argues Freeman, Black history, after all, is American history.

Advocates Believe Black History Month is Necessary

Most historians and prominent African Americans would agree that black history is American history, but many would not agree with Freeman that it is unnecessary. According to proponents of the celebration, Black History Month is often the only time of year when black history is recognized in many schools. It is argued that schools often focus on “white” history all year round and therefore, it is a necessary celebration.

Carter G. Woodson’s View of Black History

What would Carter G. Woodson, the historian responsible for this celebration, think about the continued observance of Black History Month? While there is no way of knowing whether Woodson would approve, one thing is certain—Woodson believed that the documentation and education of the public about black history was paramount to progress in race relations and in the lives of blacks.

Woodson, a dedicated scholar and publisher of black history, believed that once publishers became aware of the significant contributions of blacks, history would be rewritten. According to Woodson in 1926, history in its current state was little more than a record of the “successes and disappointments, the vices, the follies, and the quarrels, of those who engage in contention for power.” As a result, according to Woodson, blacks had virtually no knowledge about their history and were seen as a “child-like race.”

But for Woodson the necessity of documenting black history was more than just about the recognition of black contributions: it was to wage a battle against racism. Woodson believed that racism was not inherent in human nature, but was a consequence of the belief that blacks had contributed nothing to mankind; therefore, blacks were viewed as inferior. It was inevitable, alleged Woodson, that all achievements would eventually be attributed to one race.

Woodson, however, believed that this result could be countered. “Just as a thorough education in the belief in inequality of races has brought the world to the cat-and-dog stage of religious and racial strife,” wrote Woodson in "Negro History Week" in The Journal of Negro History (Volume 11, No. 2, April 1926), “so may thorough instruction in the equality of races bring about a reign of brotherhood through an appreciation of the virtues of all races, creed and colors.” Woodson believed that racism could effectively be attacked by educating the public about black contributions.

Black History Today

Today, unlike in Woodson’s time, knowledge about black history has certainly come a long way. Now, there are numerous books written about important black people and their contributions. This is definitely one part of Woodson’s goal that has been achieved. As for Woodson’s goal to end racism, it has not been completely recognized, but significant progress has been made and this, in fact, may be due in part to the education about blacks in American history.

What do you think, is Black History Month still necessary? Vote in this poll.