Every
year during Black History Month, we tend to hear about the same couple of
“heroes.” There’s Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, along with Ruby
Bridges and writers like Langston Hughes, and it’s great that we can recognize
these individuals for their contribution to our history, but they were not
alone in the struggle. It seems that it’s becoming a habit to only shed light
on those common achievements and move on, if any recognition is given at all.
There are even some who feel like Black History Month should be done away with
since it has become so monotonous and futile. Personally, I feel as if we have
only scratched the surface of recognition for African American greats.
The
focus has been on civil rights leaders and renaissance musicians and writers,
but what about everyone else? There are many athletes we have yet to talk about
publicly as far as their achievements are considered. Many people know about
Hank Aaron, the baseball player who broke Babe Ruth’s record when he hit 175
home runs. There is also Jackie Robinson, another great baseball player who
recently had a movie made about him, “42”. He was the first black player to be
signed in the major leagues. Althea Gibson became the first African American
tennis player to compete in the U.S. National championships in 1950 and the
first black to compete at Wimbledon in 1951. These are major accomplishments
since African Americans were just being integrated into schools. Not only were
they being integrated into sports, but they were outdoing their white
predecessors.
Black
history in sports doesn’t stop there. It’s a widespread joke in modern society
that all black people can do is make music and play basketball, but the
evidence in history suggests otherwise. It’s crazy how as a people, we aren’t
more unified in making sure our legacy is perceived as nothing but greatness.
It should show in our everyday actions and reach a heightened level during
Black History Month. It’s incredible to see 400 years of slavery and struggle
reduced to 10 recognized achievements one month each year, sometimes two, if we
count Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January. Even then though, we allow the
focus to be on the fact that we have to work or we allow party promoters to disgrace
the weekend by making light of the holiday and using it to throw parties.
Even
beyond sports, poets like Gwendolyn Brooks received such honors as the Pulitzer
Prize in 1949. She happened to be the first African American to do so. More
than 20 Buffalo Soldiers received the highest honors for their service in the
military. Though Madame CJ Walker is known for many other things, she also held
the record for donating the most money by an African American to a YMCA. Again,
these are quite hefty accomplishments, but who would know if we did not take
the time to announce and continue to share it with the world?
All too
often black people talk about the struggles of being oppressed, but Black
History Month is our time, if nothing else, to combat that. By making our
history known and continuing to discuss the many things our people have
accomplished over the years, we remind ourselves especially, but also the
world, how far we have come. So next year, during Black History Month, take a
minute to talk about the “others”. Whether it’s an athlete, a musician, a
writer or even a civil rights activist, just know we are more than Martin
Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.
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You bring up a good point Steven. Black peoples biggest critic in my opinion are other black people. We have moved out of generation of uplifting our people into one that is about degrading others. I think it derives from a change in values. Think about for example what we are all guilty of to an extant is as "deeming" as cool or fly. $250+ Jordans, $400 gucci and louis vuitton belts..balenciagas. Fashion is just one example of how as a culture we seem to automatically judge others and completely look past what is ultimately important which is a persons intentions and goals and how we can help one another achieve those goals.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very controversial topic that is in much need of attention. There are many other achievements by African-Americans that are ignored not only just through black history month, but the entire year. One example would be Garrett Morgan and his invention of the traffic light. This basically revolutionized city life and how traffic was managed. Yet, we seldom hear of his accomplishments on a regular basis as our civil rights leaders are limited to a narrow pool. I also have a grandfather who attended Clark Atlanta and who is remembered in the Savannah Civil Rights Museum. It would be an insult if I did not recognize and remember him during this time. Once again, this is a very important issue and we must act quick to recognize more than those that only the mainstream wants to limit.
ReplyDeleteBlack history in a way has been forgotten. As children we learned about people like Garrett Morgan while today our generation has forgotten who these heroes are besides the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. We have to show that we are proud of history by knowing our history.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely an interesting point. It seems like as a society we don't put enough emphasis on Black History month. If you're watching TV on any given day in February, what are the chances that you will be reminded about African American heritage and history? What are the chances that you can watch the History Channel and see a program glorifying African Americans? Conversely, if you are watching television during November, you will be reminded in every way that Thanksgiving is approaching and see programs that highlight that holiday's importance. In this day and age where information is so easily diffused that the media especially should play a larger role in highlighting the positive contributions of African Americans to our society.
ReplyDeletePiggy backing off what my colleagues have mentioned. Black History Month is slowly being forgotten because quite often, black history is not emphasized. For example, I have not seen anything much that Morehouse has done differently to celebrate this month. The only thing I've really seen is the short bio's presented in the MBA emails. In terms of television, BET and TV One are the only channels that I've seen to celebrate black history. Today black ignorance is being more promoted as black achievements are being degraded.
ReplyDeleteVery valid point. It feels almost as if the month isn't celebrated anymore. The cause of that can be many different factors. I agree with Bobby as well. Black ignorance is somewhat of a new look of success in the black community. The change however begins with us and if we (this generation) don't make an assertive effort to make Black History Month necessary, it will continue to fade.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, my question would be what are we doing as the new generation to make black history month relevant to us and those that follow? In the institutions and organizations we are in are trying our hardest to bring black history month to the foray? We are no longer the future but the present hence the future of black culture history and sanctity of black achievements rest in our hands, instead of talking about it it is our responsibility to push the image of black history month forward. Hence, were ever we end up in our careers, we should be making sure that whatever organization we are at or have started we celebrate black history month. For those of us that will be at Morehouse next year we should be discussing how we can make black history month appealing to our counterparts and others. The catch is no on else will do this for us but ourselves, we are more than smart enough to execute.
ReplyDeleteThe history of our people is indeed a diverse one. And while the facts are somewhat understood...the emphasis is so far out of whack that its scary. Truth is not just facts but context and knowing this demands understanding and emphasis of ones own history.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting point. The truth of the matter is the importance of Black History Month is declining because of us. Black people including myself have forgotten the importance of this month and the sacrifices our fathers before us have made for us to live the lives we live today. The only way to change this is by changing ourselves and our actions during this month.
ReplyDeleteI think we should have a discussion about Black History Month in class. It is dedicated to us as African Americans but what purpose does it serve? I feel as though BHM has become somewhat of a novelty. Especially in a time where gays and immigrants are fighting for rights in America it seems as though Black history is fading or being pushed to the back-burners of the media. In general we need more successful black people for children to look up to that are not in the entertainment industry.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't think black history month should be forgotten our contribution to this country is constantly underrated. Dedicating one month out of 12 to our great past leaders who might otherwise be forgotten isn't too much to ask for the American people as a whole to do no mater the race.
ReplyDeleteComing to Morehouse has made me more aware of Black History than ever before! Who would've known we would be sitting in a Information Systems course speaking on the state of our culture? I applaud this class :)
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