Reason to Celebrate…
Inspiration - n (ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən) The stimulation of the mind, feelings, etc. to special or unusual activity or creativity. (Collins English Dictionary, 10th Edition) Celebrating Black History has officially been a big part of American culture since its inception in 1976, which originally began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by “the Father of Black History”, the son of a former slave, 2nd African-American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It was assumed that Black people had little or no history because of their existence as slaves, but Dr. Woodson had the hope and dream of educating the American people of just the opposite. Blacks have always had a very rich history pre-dating slavery as well as having a large influence on American culture since the beginning of our great nation. His dream was to help the community learn all about Black life, history and culture. He worked on college campuses, high schools and created publications and organizations to do just that. I believe his dream has been realized, although many argue the necessity of a whole month dedicated to one race or culture in America, while others argue that it’s not enough. “Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children...A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn.” (Quote from expert witnesses to the Supreme Court that led to the 1954 decision in Brown vs. Board of Education) When I look at the famous case study of Brown vs. Board of Education where the Supreme Court decided on equality in education for all, I have to agree with those honoring my ancestors and those who continue to strive for equality in America; Black History is an important aspect of our society as Americans that cannot be limited to the slight mention of the great Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a few pages in our history books or some sense of tolerance in our country. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 One child thought my skin was dirty and told me to clean it off. I told her it was just the color of my skin, but she didn't believe me,” was the experience of a young Mary Mcleod Bethune, founder of 1st African-American College in Florida. What you don’t know will hurt you and those around you! Since 1976, Black History Month has grown to encourage multiculturalism that meshes all ethnicities. America is indeed a melting pot of incredible histories of people that should be celebrated throughout the year. |
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