“And a House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand” —Abraham Lincoln. The United States of America, a young country as it is, possesses more export “mind-impact” than countries whose history dates back thousands of years. We are a country in all of our greatness, who dims the importance of certain members of its population. African Americans are still struggling to cement their place as an integral and pivotal piece of American History. First, one week of discussion was set aside to highlight the countless achievements of African Americans. It must also be noted that it was only African Americans briefly studying African Americans in our schools during that unremarkable week. Then we decided to move the knife a little bit and set aside one month to talk about the myriad of accomplishments of African Americans. This in no way questions the objectives of the great Carter G. Woodson who fought vehemently to give African Americans some part of the stage. However, the inability to see the greatness and the survivability of a people is the crux of our house divided. Until this country can make room for every part of its diverse population to stand on equal ground, we will suffer the diminishing outcomes of separatism, racism and every other “ism” that prevents this nation from becoming a true giant of democracy.
White students need the education and exposure of facets of U.S.History other than white history just as much as Black students. The country continues to waddle in mistakes and missteps where the message of white privilege remains at the forefront of society including academic curricula. In order to empower black folks and to educate all folks, the history of America must be the total history of its people. The History of America must tell the whole story, not sometimes but all of the time. True democracy is not about little white girls and boys growing up believing that their whiteness gives them entitlement not deserved by others. True democracy also means that little black boys and girls must grow up understanding that their blackness is not a curse, it is not a badge of sorrow and head-hanging, but a part of America’s greatness.
As we underscore the importance of African American achievements in this month of February, it is a unique opportunity to erase the shame of our nation by eradicating the notion that African American contributions are only worthy of one month of mention. Black History for one month is likened to the words of the abolitionist, Frederick Douglas, —”To celebrate the 4th of July for the Negro is a sham.” As long as we minimize parts of us and maximize others to the disadvantage of the whole, racism, separatism, inequality, violence and low achievements of a nation will rule over the abilities inherent in all of the people of these United States.
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I think it’s commendable that Dr. Martin L. King’s life is being celebrated in connection with Black History. I think he is one of the greatest Americans since the founding of our country. I especially like the idea that his spiritual relevance is being spotlighted. He transformed our society from one permeated with racism to one in which most people regardless of their race or culture can participate.
I once met Dr. King when I was a teenager. A local supermarket chain refused to hire black teens as bag boys and I was one of the teenagers who was not allowed to work. Dr. King and his organization SCLC led a protest/picket campaign. Dr. King spoke at a local theatre one night and I got to meet him one on one! I’ll remember the experience and what he told me forever. I tell of this chance meeting with one of the greatest heroes in American culture, in my book, “Talking Penny.”
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