Is Black History Month Still Needed?

The month of February is synonymous with BlackChristian Leadership Conference with Martin
History. During this time period we will seeLuther King Jr. His work along with that of Ralph
countless commercials embedded with MartinDavid Abernathy, Medgar Evers, Fred
Luther King Jr. quotes and photos of legendaryShuttlesworth, and Bayard Rustin are why
African-American athletes and African-AmericanAfrican-Americans have a solid footing in
"firsts" such as Jackie Robinson breaking the colorAmerican culture today. Too many Americans are
barrier in baseball. While it is always good to seeunaware of their sacrifices, let alone names, to
the images of great black Americans, it alsorealize the impact they have on American society.
makes me wonder if this 28 day celebration ofThese reasons alone are why Black History Month
African-American culture is needed. As Morganis still required.
Freeman once said, "Why must the history of myThe 2008 Presidential race serves as mirror of
people be delegated to one month?" As ourtoday's American society. 40 years ago when
population continues to become more diverse inReverend King was assassinated the thought of
nature and we celebrate the differences inhaving a female and an African-American run for
American culture, the question must be raised. IsPresident was far fetched and un-attainable. This
there still a need for Black History Month?very moment is what Dr. King fought for,
Dr. Carter G. Woodson is the originator of Blackequality. If the past is any indication as to where
History Week. This gentleman is responsible forour society is headed, we have a bright and hazy
brining the history of African-American's to thefuture to look forward to.
national forefront. As this celebration grew from aPoll most Americans concerning the matter of
week into a month, some wondered when thisBlack History and the majority of them are able
month would eventually grow and become ato give validity as to why Black History month is
permanent stitch of the fabric of Americanno longer needed. The greater part of our
history. The textbooks that our children arepopulation is full aware of the contributions that
taught out of often have only a chapter or two inblack people have made to American culture.
reference to the history of these greatFrom hip-hop music, to sports, education, finance
Americans. Far too many citizens of this nationand politics, African-Americans have all played an
are unaware of the contributions that black peopleessential role in each field. This information is
have made to the United States,slowly being integrated into American history
African-Americans included. Simply knowing thebooks and historian text. While African-Americans
history of African-American "rock stars" likestill struggle to make headway in certain industries,
Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson, Thurgoodit's tough to ignore the contributions that black
Marshall, Malcolm X, and Jessie Owens is notpeople have made to American culture. In an era
enough to warrant knowing the entire history ofwith 24 hour news stations and information that
black culture.can be accessed via the internet at any time of
We are often fed the timeless video of MLKthe day, one has no excuse to avoid the history
(Martin Luther King) giving his "I have a dreamof African-Americans.
speech" during the march on Washington as aRemoving the tag of Black History Month from
catalyst to ring in the celebration of our illustriousFebruary may be a bit premature. There is still
history. Reasons like this are why this month is stillwork that needs to be done to integrate
needed. While my love and admiration for theAfrican-American History into American History
great Dr. are rooted in his struggle and love forvia textbooks and any other information source.
this own people, he is not the only representationStill the argument holds true merit. Once the day
that we have for black history. The Reverendarrives where we are truly able to say the month
Joseph Lowery of Atlanta is a prolific speaker andis no longer needed because the subject is
was an ambitious foot soldier during the turbulentdiscussed in the same breath as American history,
times of the Civil Rights movement. He is creditedwe will all be able to celebrate as one voice with
with being a co-founder of the historic Southernone tone.