A single race shouldn't get a month-long celebration

Editor,

February is Black History Month. It's a time dedicated to remembering African-American history and struggles. It's a tradition that, in my opinion, is anti-American and anti-equality. Equality is the state or quality of being equal. Why do we praise a single race for one month out of the year and not other races, too? Why do we need a special month to recognize great American moments and great Americans? Can it not be done throughout the year? Why is black power considered OK while white power is considered racism? Black History Month creates segregation, not unity.

It is one thing to have pride in one's race. It is another to wish to divide from other people and exalt one's race above others. America is a melting pot; however, creations such as Black History Month divide the mixture and seek to remind Americans that we are not all the same, and in fact, African-Americans deserve more recognition for their part of history. Overcompensation is deadly. Instead of bringing African-Americans, whites, American Indians and all the rest of us together on an equal platform, the U.S. has gotten into a terrible habit of trying to make up for a messy past.

In a nation so divided these days, we do not need Black History Month. We need 12 straight American history months. I am not racist, but I am dying for equality and an end to definition by race.

Robby James Ortiz

UNM student