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| The media frequently refers to it as "Black History Month", and some may prefer that. However, when Gerald Ford declared February to be set aside for this purpose, it was officially referred to as African American History, and it has not been changed. Some people argue that black history should not be set aside as a separate subject. Morgan Freeman is one famous opposing spokesperson who claims "Black history is American history". Others feel that it has to be addressed on its own to maintain tradition and a sense of continuance. The example is that the American Indian had no written history, only oral tradition, and has almost been eradicated. By contrast the Jews had a well documented history, and now, though much persecuted and dispersed around the world, there is a keen sense of identity and continuity. The special observance first began in 1926 as a week called "Negro History Week" to encourage inclusion in public schools. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. In 1970 it became a month. In 1976, the year of our Bicentennial, it was renamed and drew a new wave of attention. It is good for us to remind ourselves of many aspects of our history, including all races and genders. Dr. Jim Denison writes "African American inventors gave us America’s first clock, automatic elevator doors, the clothes dryer, the electric lamp, the gas heating furnace, traffic lights, fiber optic cable, the touch-tone telephone, the home thermostat and temperature control, the pacemaker, and a host of other discoveries." A different type of inventor, Dr. Charles Drew taught us more about plasma and made blood transfusions possible. (I learned this on an episode of M*A*S*H*.) George Washington Carver was a scientist and inventor who helped revolutionize American agriculture, mostly through his work in soil conservation. He also made advances in cotton and found many new uses of the peanut. Booker T. Washington was a great educator, writer, and orator who was a primary black leader at the turn of the last century and a big influence for about 25 years. I thought his book was inspiring and helpful for people of all races. Catherine Johnson was an outstanding mathematician who aided the space program. African Americans have been innovative and pioneering in the fields of education, science, technology, banking, medicine, engineering, and all other areas of our daily lives. Although originally intended for schools, African American History Month is a good encouragement for all of us to learn something more. We need to appreciate all of American history. Most adults have a very poor understanding of history to start. A little learning won't hurt us. We may learn to appreciate our heritage and have a little more sensitivity to others. |
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