Black History Month: Paying Homage February was not given to us, as some like to state, when discussing the observance Black History Month (BHM). Originally, introduced as Negro History Week by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, in 1926, the month was placed during the second week of February to commemorate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In the 1970s it expanded to Black History Month with the activist of student leaders at Kent State and other lobbying efforts. Nothing was given, it was the consistent radical efforts by Black communities to institutionalize BHM. The existence and observance of BHM causes a stir within some circles. I will not rehash the tired debates that rise. I will just say that there is no need for people of African descent to continue to justify acts of self-determination formed in hostile circumstances in efforts to preserve and advance our human dignity. I encourage others to not have these debates outside of context and to not let anyone water down our efforts to commemorate our collective efforts. Some people examine the current conditions of Black people and mark the progress that has been made. Others, shake their heads at the current situation of African people. Regardless of where you are on the continuum, it is appropriate to know the history, legacy, heritage, triumphs, and tragedies of people African descent in an effort to have a more in-depth understanding of contemporary Black life. And yes, since the most relevant details are not part of the mainstream curriculum, you will have to dig a bit deeper, do independent study (alone or as groups), and attend a few gatherings. Its okay, it is what self-determined, self-loving people do. Our recognition and homage during BHM doesnt always have to be in the format of a lecture, panel, or museum visit, however, lets not use it as a catch all for any and everything associated with Black people. Black History Month was launched by an independent study group determined to reach into the historical record and publish for the worlds eyes the contributions, traditions, and experiences of African people. Not to situate BHM in the politics of respectability, but just because someone is famous and is Black doesnt mean we pay homage to them during this time. There are indeed some entertainers that have made broader contributions to the world and our communities beyond their particular role, song, performance. I just caution us to be mindful and to not get caught into this web of celebrity worship to an extent that we can not illuminate African women and men that have made a myriad of contributions to humanity outside the scope of popular entertainment culture. That being said, BHM laid the foundation and served as the model for the other cultural history months, as well as for the Womens History Month (March) observance. Do not take this pioneering position for granted. This goes the same for Black Studies paving the way for ethnic and gender studies as well. The same goes for the African-American freedom struggle borrowing from others but also contributing to the strategies and tactics used by others (even on the continent of Africa) to fight oppression. So I encourage you to not get distracted with attempting to justify BHM with naysayers and skeptics. Do not center our celebrations on entertainment that doesnt include a narrative of African peoples beauty, complexity, and contributions to humanity. Finally, recognize the foundational, critical role that BHM pays in the creation of the observance of other commemorations that recognize the various populations within the human family. Lasana O. Hotep February 3, 2014
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:53:15 +0000
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