Editor,
Why, in the year 2007, do we still have to justify our celebration of Black History Month? Why should African-Americans have to justify anything we do? Obviously, the need for education is still present. Black History Month is for everyone. Its purpose is for all to recognize that black history is American history and should be woven into the quilt of American history. It is an opportunity for all people to expand their humanity. The purpose of this celebration is not to unify, but to educate.
Black History Month is designed to educate all people about the hundreds of years in which our people were kings, queens, successful inventors, business owners and strong family members, not just captive Africans in America. Reference points should not be just about slavery. Uncle Sam has successfully kept the lamb's wool over the eyes of many people, and proof of that is that we are "given" 28 out of 365 days to acknowledge a world of information that will not be taught in America's educational system.
African-Americans are as much the backbone of the U.S. as any other culture. Color-blind racism will not keep us from celebrating our culture or try to make it disappear while we, our children and our children's children, are alive. Our blood, sweat, tears and lives helped build this nation, yet we are not allowed to glorify its richness as such.
Often, people who are not of the African diaspora want to forget about our contribution to this country and call it equality. This concept is not acceptable until our educational system acknowledges the history of African-Americans with the same consistency as the history of U.S. presidents. Until the U.S. tells the truth of the black identity and the true history of how the U.S. was founded, we will continue to be forced to prove our worth.
If we don't know about our past, we cannot create our future. Our past is gone. We dream for the future, but we must deal with the present. And presently, our history is still not valued as American history.
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The students and staff of African-American Student Services
