Can you guest post your own previous post?
Well I am doing it…
“If black people want to be seen as the same as everyone else, then why do they want a full month to encourage segregation?”
Oh, there are so many things that bothered me about this statement. It’s what fueled my sudden need to address this “issue.” My initial thoughts were:
‘Either these people don’t think that black history is important enough to celebrate for 28 days – or – they don’t think black’s contributions to their American history is deserving of any particular emphasis.’
However, I won’t let that odiousness soil the important issue. I genuinely want to address it from a critical stand point.
So, let us first clear up that no black American I have ever met has wanted to be seen just like everyone else. We want our differences to be acknowledged for our unique beauty; however, we don’t want our different skin tones and hair textures to be seen as inadequacies.
Secondly, if you think that BHM only helps to segregate our culture from America then you’ve grossly misinterpreted the purpose of BHM. It was started to explore black import to American society. It was started to integrate black history into American history – for the realization black Americans had an imperative role in the development and success of our American country.
“… then why don’t we have Indian History Month, Hispanic History Month, or White History month?”
Well, these are very valid points, but I suggest before you insult someone you take my advice and follow these links: Indian Heritage History Month, Hispanic History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (in fact Black History Month came AFTER Indian Heritage History Month). For white history month…well, now I’m confused. Possibly you could be more specific. Do you mean Irish History Month? Or German History Month?
AND….Before you assume that BHM isn’t or cannot be all inclusive, simply study it. Could BHM even exist if black Americans were the only ones who thought it was important? Absolutely not.
If you study black American history you will not only discover it’s relevance to American history, but to the entire world. Study black American history and you begin to discover many things about yourself (no matter what color) and the people you surround yourself with. You will discover how people treat one other just to preserve their privilege, how mighty of a force a like-minded motivated people can be, and issues of conformity and lessons that need to be learned in order for our country to progress. Black History is important. Black history IS American History and that’s why America celebrates it.
Finally, for those of you that responded to my question with a disheartened tone. You told me that Black History Month mattered, but was sorely unappreciated. Well, don’t let anyone forget and don’t let anyone assume it’s irrelevant because they’ve been mis-educated. Remember, do not let February be the only month you educate everyone around you about black history – about American history.
(If companies use BHM as a marketing strategy, let them! There should be no outlet forbidden to educate our country.)
Thank you so much everyone who responded to my question! Someone of you thought BHM to be an absolute necessity to realize atrocities of racism, or for mere pride in your own race. Some of you thought BHM is unfair, or simply unnecessary. What ever your response was – it was appreciated. The purpose of all of this is co-learning and I hope you learn from me the same way I’ve learned from you.
Interactive Black History Timeline






