Some have put forth that it should not be recognized or celebrated. Believe me when I tell you that this is a hotly debated topic. Surprisingly, even among Blacks. I was shocked to hear Morgan Freeman say it ought to be abolished!!! Then when I heard his reasoning, I became thoughtful. He had a good point.
What do you think? I would like to know what my spiritually minded readers have to say. Chime in. Let's hear some thought provoking, purposeful, enlightening pros and cons.
9 comments:
Great Topic! I was watching the Oprah Show and my mouth fell open when I heard her saying that she will not release any movies, plays or anything during Black History Month. I was shock that she would make that statement publicly. She went on to explain that it limits us. We are now stuck into one month; we have the most commercials, movie releases, television programs, during that month. While it sounds good “Black History Month” an opportunity to acknowledge our race, achievements, etc. We are indeed limiting ourselves. Black History should be celebrated everyday.
I didn't really have an opinion on this topic until I was reading a debate on this journalists listserv I'm a part of. Over a debate about the relevance of Black History Month -- whether it should be abolished and so forth -- no one knew, or could seem nail down, the facts on how Black History month got started.
How ironic.
We need BHM, if only to remember that there is a great legacy of achievement in our history. That's something that hit home with me during Dr. Maxwell's Sunday address -- the legacy ideal. Folks that want to do away with BHM feel that we live in a post-racial society and we really don't. They fail to realize BHM has less to rehashing contentious race-politics and more to do with remembrance. And we all know what Jesus said about that.
Unfortunately, our U.S. history doesn't accurately cover the influence that African Americans and other blacks have had on the building of this country. Black history month isn't really for adults who have learned some of this relevant information in college courses, at grassroots meetings, and read it in books. Black History Month is crucial for children in schools, especially those who have parents who cannot/or do not take the time to share with their children the rich history of people of color in the United States. This applies to all children, whatever their "race".
Black History month is a time, for us to take notice, and others to take notice of the beautiful history of blacks in America. Just because African Americans have gained influence in this country, and Oprah is beloved, Barak Obama is President, and Jay-Z raps about it all, doesn't erase the rich past that comes with that. Less then 50 years ago, people of color were lawfully denied the right to dine with, be hospitalized with, and go to school with their white counterparts.
It’s too soon to get rid of Black History month. When being black no longer means anything, when race is no longer a social construct that counts for something, and when our kids can say "what’s black mom? Who is black?", then we can do away with Black History Month.
Hmm, I did think about the relevance of Black History Month and why should we have a program to celebrate Black History but it was an idle thought I had during our program. Now looking at the earlier comments, I have to wonder if we as a race haven't bought into the idea that we have to have a whole month to remember our history, when it should in fact be something that parents should teach to their children and not only during the month of February.
No, I don't think we need BHM. Yes, it is important that we remember our history, but how many other races feel the need to have something like we do? I think by clinging to the idea that we "need" a whole month devoted to our history, we are essentially fostering an adherence to the idea that we are different, when the only thing different between us, as humans, is the color of our skin, hardly a basis to judge a person on, no?
Why is it that we have to have a reminder (in the form of BHM) of our history? Are we too lazy to think about it, research it, and study it during the rest of the year? It is borderline ridiculous that we feel that if we are not reminded of our history, that we will forget, when there are tons, tons of organizations that have carefully preserved the history of the generations gone before us. Yes, the things accomplished by those before us in the midst of overwhelming circumstances should be celebrated, but how can we move forward, if we’re always looking back (a little cliché I know, but it works). How can we surpass what they’ve done? And please, Obama, although great, he is only one person. He is also half white – so what does that say hmmm?
I hardly think that we’re living in a post-racial world. Yeah, it definitely isn’t as bad as it was 50 years ago but the concept of race and racism is still strongly alive and kicking. It’s just become a whole lot more subtle. I’m also pretty pessimistic about America becoming truly color blind and to wait for that to happen is like waiting for Revelations to happen – absolutely pointless. Yes, US history as it’s taught should definitely include more about our history, but even though Blacks have greatly influenced the building of this nation, we aren’t the only ones who’ve done so. So, we don’t need a month to celebrate.
Let me be clear, we should remember, celebrate and rejoice over what our ancestors have accomplished and be thankful that we don’t live like that today. But it should be something that goes beyond the perfunctory month of February because when it’s confined to only that month, people will really not get the true value of the things done by those gone before us. We don’t need it and it should be abolished.
I don’t think we NEED black history month (hereinafter referred to as “BHM”). However, I think that we as a race, and our perception as a race, still benefit from this time. It falls on the shoulders of parents and communities to educate the youth and those following in their footsteps about trailblazers that came before and made it possible for the advances we have made, and continue to make today. However, due to a lack of education with many of these parents and communities, sadly our great history isn’t always even known to be transmitted. BHM offers a time to bring various aspects of Black History to the forefronts of the minds of many people who may not have otherwise been thinking about it to the same degree. Additionally, outside of the black community, there are those who do not recognize or understand the great contributions blacks have made to the progression of the World society throughout time. BHM highlights to these individuals as well, that wholesale negative perceptions of the black race are unfounded. Ignorance is a tool for oppression, on behalf of both the oppressor and the oppressed. And though many things have changed for the better, the opportunity for a month of helping dissipate ignorance among Blacks, and Non Blacks, is still very much useful.
I am not sure why this is such a hotly debated topic. If you are someone who celebrates the achievements of Black people in American and world history already then what cause is there to be in arms about someone putting a label on Feb. If you are like most people and only know the history of who ever is teaching you then you shouldn't really care anyway either. BHM has never been forced on anyone and it certainly has not costed us anything. Should we get rid of Birthdays because somebody feels that we should celebrate life everyday? Should we kill thankgiving because other people decide not to celebrate in the true spirit of thanksgiving and just eat food? It is a non arguement if you are a real thinking person. I truly enjoy the real life accounts of our people though out the ages and will take any excuse that I can to learn more about them.
In a like manner, I will read about the Jewish history almost everyday in my Bible and not feel that somehow I am being slighted. Why are there always members of the Black diaspora continuing to make such frivolous arguements and not focus on what really matters...Black Love, Love of Christ, Love of Self, Love for our fellow man! You can be pro-black and not have to defend yourself. We should all know by now that being pro anything does not automatically make you anti something else! Ok I just realized that no matter what logic I present it wont matter cause black folks don't read..I am going to make a beat and read this post over it! SIKE LOL just jokes, lighten up!
As an educator in the NYC Public School system I think it is extremely important that we keep, celebrate and promote black history month. Our textbooks still don't have the contributions most black people have made, especially in the area of science. It would be great if things were different ... equal but until then, if just for a month, its great to teach everyone about the contributions that blacks have made to every walk of society.
I remember Bro. Wilson saying often, it doesn't matter the reason people come to church on Christmas, New Years, Easter, etc. At least they're thinking about God. Well, similarly, during the month of February, as short as it may be, people are thinking about, recognizing the achievements and contributions of black people - for that I am grateful. Carla
Black History month would not be necessary if the contributions of African Americans were acknowledged just as much as our white counterparts.It is because of that reluctance to give us our props, that Black History Month is important. We've come a long way but much still has to be done. Until I see a marked change in our schools curriculum, where African Americans and their contributions are a major component, then I say let Black History Month stay
A month? Gimme a year!
Post a Comment