By James W. Breedlove
Since 1926 February has been associated with the celebration of Black History. The initiative for this celebration was spearheaded by noted black historian Carter G. Woodson. But the question possibly arises in the minds of some–why Black history?Isn’t history the past? Why bother with it? We certainly can’t change it.
That may be true, but let’s pause to examine the value of Black History because there are those who still believe that Blacks have no history worth considering. A noted Oxford University scholar stated, “Perhaps in the future there will be some African history to teach. But at the present there is none. There is only darkness…and darkness is not the subject of history”.
We must, therefore, seek out our history because buried therein is a glorious heritage encompassing every aspect of human existence. It is a snapshot of the best and the worst of mankind. It contains the magnificence of the richest civilizations the world has ever known. Black history embraces Cleopatra–the queen of Egypt. It will tell of Pythagorus–the mathematical genius. It will reveal heroes such as Hannibal, Tubman, Drew,
Turner, Dubois, Garvey, Malcolm X, King, Bethune and many others. We must study for ourselves and be aware of black men and women who were rulers, warriors, physicians, physicists, astronomers, artists, phi- losophers, and educators that made history.
Black history also reveals a significant inkblot called American slavery. Hundreds of years have not dimmed the memories of atrocities inflicted on our ancestors as they were reduced to human chattel by force of law. You will see Plessey defining a separate but not equal society. You will see the despicable Tuskegee experiment perpetrated on innocent blacks under the disguise of medical hope.
But as we look back through the chronicles of slavery, oppression, and deception we should not wallow in self-pity or fabricate shallow excuses for today’s disparities. We should take inspiration from the valiant success story of black survival in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a blood soaked past, the odyssey of a great people who have had horrific crimes committed against it. But we cannot take inspiration from something that we do not know.
Carter G. Woodson argued, if education is ever to be substantive and meaningful within the context of world history, it must first address the African’s historical experiences, both in Africa and the Diaspora. In fact, a positive identity or enhanced self-concept is critical for the academic, social, and personal success of Blacks everywhere. And this vacuum makes Black history even more important.
Black History also makes us aware of the cycles America has gone through in the continuing struggle with its conscience. At times it moved toward reconciliation and justice, but at other times it seems to be saying to black people, “Thus far, and no further.”
But Black History in America is more than the saga of black people; it is the true story of America stripped of myth and legend, a story in which the cruelty and violence that has undermined and divided our society stands bared to the world. “No nation, no race,” observed Dr. Charles Finch of the Morehouse School of Medicine “can face the future unless it knows the ex- tremes it is capable of.
Maya Angelou said, “If you know something about your past, you can stand a little more erect, you can face the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.”
Black people helped build America. Their blood, sweat and tears turned a virgin land into an industrial powerhouse. Black inventors, artisans, explorers, statesmen, and entrepreneurs made vital contributions to America in all fields of endeavor. But the task is not finished. And today we must accept the challenge to add to that noble history.
African Americans stand tall. Discover your family history and find out who you are. Let us study this history with the understanding that we are not, as white supremacy infers, an inferior people. We are going to use that beautiful black history to inspire us to greater achievements and greater independence. It is going to be the basis for proudly telling our story to the outside world.
“If a race has no history,” Woodson wrote, “it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
Black history shows us it has been done. Our Black heritage says we can do it again. Our future and the future of generations to come demands that we take up the challenge, to not only lift up our generation, but to pass on a flaming torch that inspires future generations of Blacks to climb higher, ever higher.
Why Black History, you ask? My answer — because it is OUR HISTORY.
Comments or opinions may be sent to the writer at: thebreed@swbell.net
