The Relevancy of Black History Month

Is Black History Month Still Relevant?

'There is that great proverb--that until the lions have their own historians, the history of hunt will always glorify the hunter. Once I realized that, I had to be a writer ~Chinua Achebe ~

 I recently read an article by Nadra Kareem Nittle, a race relations expert, titled Is Black History Month Still Relevant. Ms. Nittle gave a brief pro and con commentary of this ongoing debate validating the need for this month.  She writes:

 "The standard history books continue to prominently feature whites while relegating racial minorities to the margins. Until the contributions of minority groups are the focal points of history books rather than footnotes, the need for Black History Month, Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month and the like will remain strong."

Carter G. Woodson declared it a necessary and viable means of  showcasing our accomplishments and our worth towards the building of this country.  It also serves as a means of inspiring our children and others to dream and strive for a more meaningful existence in a country that treats us as second class citizens.  There are exceptions, of course, but far too many of us have yet to realize the following in the 21st century.

   We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

I'm sure that it has something to do with the founding fathers writing the United States Declaration of Independence predicated on the devastating institution of slavery!

 *Archival Featured Post:  Is There a Need for Black History Month?