Opinion: What Should We do with Black History Month?

By Anthony Foster

Menlo Oak Staff

Black History Month is supposed to be a time when America pauses to acknowledge the importance of the African-American journey through U.S. history.  There are many reasons to recognize African American icons in today’s society, and in many ways African-American contributions are being spotlighted with increased frequency. This recognition has led some to wonder if society still needs Black History Month.

Black history is full of important societal movements that have helped to shape the American society.  The battle to bring equality and justice to black Americans was achieved through a multi-ethnic coalition, one that Dr. Martin Luther King described as containing, “black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics.”

But we do not celebrate a “White” history month or “Jewish” history month. Why then should we celebrate “Black” history month?

Simply put, there is importance to paying attention to the events of black history.  The history of the United States and its racial interactions show that with inner-strength and courage, we are all people capable of achieving anything.  More importantly, studying black history shows that equal and respectful interaction between people of all races is needed to maintain in a successful society.

Advocates for eliminating Black History Month like to say that black people are more than successful enough today not to warrant a month of study. We need to look at the bigger picture.  

Black people have been successful for far longer than the last decade, or even the last century. African-American success stories were not celebrated, or just ignored.

Black History Month is about teaching America and its youth about the issues we continue to fight today and the idea of a better future.

Menlo College Professor Zaki Hasan, believes that race and the uniqueness of the black experience, or any racial experience for that matter, is important to understanding U.S. history and the American experience.

“We aren’t there yet,” Hasan states simply when talking about the goals that America has for its fight against racism.  

Black history deserves to have special recognition. However, changes are need in the way Black History Month is celebrated. It is time to bring a shine a new light on its purpose.

Black History Month is not about segregating black accomplishments from those of other races.  It is about knowing what black history teaches America about its present and its future.