The Black History Month Controversy
by Candyss Joseph
Issue date: 2/1/06 Section: News
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This February marks the 80th year that black history has been formally recognized and remembered by Americans as Black History Month. Throughout the years it has evolved into more than a reflective reverence. Black History has become a state of mind and way of thinking. Its observance enlightens, educates and strongly creates a sense of deep pride and fulfillment in the hearts of African Americans. However Black History Month has received scrutiny, as it allegedly gives off the appearance that black history can be compacted into a month. Many also argue that because of Black History Month the African American community has subconsciously devalued black history and the importance of their ancestors the other eleven months of the year. "Is it only in February that we should remember our culture and pay our respects? Is it only in February that black history happened? Is it only in February that we're really black? No, then there shouldn't be a Black History Month, we should celebrate black history all year round," says Andel Higgins a student at City College. Others don't agree, they believe that people do celebrate black history in books and organizations, and for those uneducated to their history or preoccupied February provides a chance to learn, to stop and remember. Helen Pena from Bronx Community College says "Black History Month pulls the attention back to black history, it doesn't force black history onto us, it doesn't tell us when we should and shouldn't celebrate and it shouldn't be criticized as such. I mean are we really less patriotic on the other 364 days that aren't Independence Day?"
The month of February is significant because of key events that started, influenced and revolutionized the lives of African Americans today. In 1926 Carter G. Woodson organized the first Black History Week, falling on the second week of February to honor the birthdays of essential civil rights activists Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. W. E. B. DuBois an important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born on February 23, 1868. The 15th Amendment was passed which granted blacks the right to vote on February 3, 1870. The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels, took his oath of office On February 25, 1870. A group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on February 12, 1909. Three Black Muslims shot Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, on February 21, 1965.
The month of February is significant because of key events that started, influenced and revolutionized the lives of African Americans today. In 1926 Carter G. Woodson organized the first Black History Week, falling on the second week of February to honor the birthdays of essential civil rights activists Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. W. E. B. DuBois an important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born on February 23, 1868. The 15th Amendment was passed which granted blacks the right to vote on February 3, 1870. The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels, took his oath of office On February 25, 1870. A group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on February 12, 1909. Three Black Muslims shot Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, on February 21, 1965.