Black History Month!!! (February)

[NY State of Mind]

What the title says....it is BHM!!! I gave it a couple of days to see if anybody African American maybe wanted to post it....but I guess the New York Puerto Rican American will lmao 😛 (close enough i guess)

Any African Americans on the BB that want to talk about what this holiday means to you, etc.? Maybe even post something on a favorite Black Historian or something....

Even if your not African American....any opinions on the holiday...do you agree or not? Why?....feel free to chat it up but keep it civil as it can be.

I will try and post some of my favorite black history figures every couple days or so for anyone interested in learning something new or just hearing it again.

Let's not forget.....the Black Movement helped all types of people in thier movements being it was the first one with a major impact....WE (as in African, Latino, Asian, Women, Gay, etc.) also should pay respect for these import Civil Rights leaders and contributors. 🙂

 

[Zeppo]

Rosa Parks is a huge inspiration. Though apparently not the first to refuse to move from her seat, she really ran with it and made a difference. I just find that an amazing story of courage, to not only be a minority to also be a woman in that minority and still stand up - or sit down, as this case may have it - against society. She's usually the first person I think of when I think of such leaders. I just dig her origin story. 😛

 

[zobothehobo]

Ehem. I understand the importance of learning about African American history and African American contribution to American history as a whole. However, as someone who has just finished the public schooling... I think this is pretty much covered in history class now. I understand this month had a purpose at one point in time, but now it's just racist. To me racism is treating one race differently from the others. That is exactly what Black History Month is. Therefore, I do not celebrate it and I get irritated at school when people try to share their "black history month fact of the day" with me. I don't want to learn black history in February. I want to learn history all twelve months of the year. As we all should.

I will say this though, I do not object to a "Minorities history month" because I feel minorities in general are not appreciated the way they should be. But JUST black history month is singling out one race and it's racist. Also we as a country and society have placed so much emphasis on learning about black history that I feel we've missed a lot of other minorities that have had a large impact on American history.

 

[Washburne]

Honestly I don't know much about it. I thought it was a month when you study the history of african americans. Which if it's ignored otherwise I get. But shouldn't you need a mexican month etc then? Or are they more included in "regular" american history while african americans aren't?

Had no clue that it's a holiday. What happens during that? You're celebrating your heritage? And if so in what way? Which I guess isn't a bad idea. But once again is this "just" for african americans? I guess not if you do it as well. And what about white european day? Or is that maybe Columbus day? I really don't keep up with all american holidays.

I don't mean this post to sound rude or offensive. I just know so little about it and want to know more.

---------- Post added at 02:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 AM ----------

I understand this month had a purpose at one point in time, but now it's just racist. To me racism is treating one race differently from the others.

Not sure I agree with that. Isn't racism about thinking that one race are superior to another? Is that what black history month is all about? I sure hope not. Just bringing their history into the light isn't the same as saying they're better than others is it? But since I haven't had any classes about this I'm sure you that have are better suited to comment on that.

 

[zobothehobo]

Not sure I agree with that. Isn't racism about thinking that one race are superior to another? Is that what black history month is all about? I sure hope not. Just bringing their history into the light isn't the same as saying they're better than others is it? But since I haven't had any classes about this I'm sure you that have are better suited to comment on that.

To me, racism is treating one race differently from another. We're all equal. We're all humans. I see no point in treating one race as special in any way. Black history month is what I like to call "reverse racism." It's responding to racism in the way you're talking about it by being racist in a what some people would consider "good" way. It's treating one race differently and special in response to another race treating them differently and poorly. But it's still treating one race as different.

And the point black history month was created for was bringing their history into the light... but my point is, we've done away with a need for black history month because their history IS in the light. Your post about Mexican history... if any minority in specific right now needs a history month in America, it's hispanic people. ESPECIALLY the Mexican immigrants. I only know Mexican history because I took IB History Higher Level in high school so I took History of the Americas. But most kids in American high schools don't learn anything about Mexican history except maybe the history of Texas. And also, I'm not too sure but maybe some of the states and school systems closer to the Mexican boarder might have some Mexican history as their local history. But it's a basic, shallow look at Mexican history, I'm sure.

 

[NY State of Mind]

Okay, no worries Washburne...nothing is wrong with your questions and Zobo I understand what your saying...it's a common perspective of many people.

Black History Month was created to acknowledge important African Americans being that they were not acknowledged prior in regards to history or culture...all other American history was European based before this and still mostly is till this day.

But it's more on just celebrating its really getting a culture of knowledge. Something other races usually have over African Americans is knowledge of thier background. Since your ancestors were not enslaved and lost your names, culture, religion, etc.

Your grandfather can tell you....Well yes back in Ireland....yadda yadda....African Americans don't have those same privilages for the most part.....Shaquille O'Neal who is a AA pro Basketball player in the USA couldn't tell you the same. Just look at his last name..."O'Neal" Was he from Ireland? No, but a past slave owner possibly was...since he has no "real" culture....his culture is the history of what black people have done in this country (USA) since he can't trace his roots back to Africa.

So with something like Black History month...they teach you these important Black Figures to instill some culture and pride for young African Americans who before that only knew from history books "yeah, yeah...we were slaves" (not very uplifting). Also, to teach white people, etc. tolerance and knowledge on the contributions Blacks have made for the country. I hope i made things a little clearer!!!

By the way African Americans contributed a lot more than any other race besides Europeans, Washburne. Which is why they have the upper hand over some like let's say Mexican, Puerto Rican, etc. and have been set back the furthest.

Zobo now I understand what your saying....I would rather have a Year long History on everything from White, Black, Latino, Asian, Women, etc. Unfortuantely, you get a repetitive Black History month instead....I have problems with what the month has kind of become myself. Mainly because I feel it lacks depth in the US School Systems cause it just goes over the main few people when there's so many important African Americans that get no shine. I can name important black figures that you would know nothing about...but the sad part is that many African Americans won't even know of them...so I feel it was started for the right purpose but got mishandled by the leaders of this country and is just excepted because "Atleast we have something"!

 

[Tome]

Your grandfather can tell you....Well yes back in Ireland....yadda yadda....African Americans don't have those same privilages for the most part.....Shaquille O'Neal who is a AA pro Basketball player in the USA couldn't tell you the same. Just look at his last name..."O'Neal" Was he from Ireland? No, but a past slave owner possibly was...since he has no "real" culture....his culture is the history of what black people have done in this country (USA) since he can't trace his roots back to Africa.

Exactly. It remind me of when we talked about this, man... It's like impossible for most of them to find out who was their ancestors.

 

[prophecygrrl]

I think Black History Month is amazing. I'm not black, but as a person of color as well (I'm Asian American), I'm very, very glad that this history is discussed, even if it is (in most places) only for one month. I'm always incredibly frustrated in my history and social science classes because we don't learn enough about the stories and history of people of color and other marginalized groups (women, non-Western cultures, LGBT people, etc.). We forget that history shouldn't be told by the powerful, but by the people. And that includes ALL people.

I am tired of learning about powerful, privileged rich old white men and their contributions to history. I know enough about that already, and none of their contributions would exist were it not for the exploitation and sacrifice of marginalized groups, including black people. So yeah, I want to know more about the black slaves this world exploited for so long, about the black women who were integral to the civil rights movement, and more about Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X. I want something that will open up a dialogue, that lets us think critically about the past. That's the function of history, isn't it?

I don't see how highlighting the history of a marginalized group is racist. Black history month gives a voice and a spotlight to those who would more likely be swept under the rug (and ARE swept under the rug every day, in fact). It's sad that black history is relegated to just one month, and I have problems with some of what we're taught (sometimes it seems too reductive and simplistic), but black history month itself is pretty damn incredible. The fact that it even exists is amazing.

 

[zobothehobo]

I think Black History Month is amazing. I'm not black, but as a person of color as well (I'm Asian American), I'm very, very glad that this history is discussed, even if it is (in most places) only for one month. I'm always incredibly frustrated in my history and social science classes because we don't learn enough about the stories and history of people of color and other marginalized groups (women, non-Western cultures, LGBT people, etc.). We forget that history shouldn't be told by the powerful, but by the people. And that includes ALL people.

I am tired of learning about powerful, privileged rich old white men and their contributions to history. I know enough about that already, and none of their contributions would exist were it not for the exploitation and sacrifice of marginalized groups, including black people. So yeah, I want to know more about the black slaves this world exploited for so long, about the black women who were integral to the civil rights movement, and more about Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X. I want something that will open up a dialogue, that lets us think critically about the past. That's the function of history, isn't it?

I don't see how highlighting the history of a marginalized group is racist. Black history month gives a voice and a spotlight to those who would more likely be swept under the rug (and ARE swept under the rug every day, in fact). It's sad that black history is relegated to just one month, and I have problems with some of what we're taught (sometimes it seems too reductive and simplistic), but black history month itself is pretty damn incredible. The fact that it even exists is amazing.

Darn, I hit enter too fast. Everything you said in this post is why I feel we should have a minority history month instead.

 

[prophecygrrl]

Darn, I hit enter too fast. Everything you said in this post is why I feel we should have a minority history month instead.

Why does it have to be "instead"? I'd love to talk more about Asian/Pacific islander history for example, but I don't think Black History Month does anything to hurt that goal. People's problematic attitudes about minorities do.

 

[Buffy Summers]

But shouldn't you need a mexican month etc then? Or are they more included in "regular" american history while african americans aren't?

Well, in LA we do get "Cesar Chavez Day" where everything's closed.

---------- Post added at 10:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------

msfantastico87 agrees: You do?! Damn. Stupid Orlando!

Yep, even the library is closed. Which is annoying when you don't have internet at your house lol

 

[NY State of Mind]

Malcolm X

Malcolm X (pronounced /ˈmælkəm ˈɛks/; May 19, 1925 "“ February 21, 1965), born Malcolm Little and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz[1] (Arabic: الحاجّ مالك الشباز‎), was an African-American Muslim minister, public speaker, and human rights activist. To his admirers, he was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans. His detractors accused him of preaching racism, black supremacy, antisemitism, and violence. He has been called one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history, and in 1998, Time named The Autobiography of Malcolm X one of the ten most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century.

Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska. The events of his childhood, including his father's lessons concerning black pride and self-reliance, and his own experiences concerning race played a significant role in Malcolm X's adult life. By the time he was thirteen, his father had died and his mother had been committed to a mental hospital. After living in a series of foster homes, Malcolm X became involved in a number of criminal activities in Boston and New York. In 1946, Malcolm X was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison.

While in prison, Malcolm X became a member of the Nation of Islam, and after his parole in 1952 he became one of the Nation's leaders and chief spokesmen. For nearly a dozen years he was the public face of the controversial group. Tension between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, head of the Nation of Islam, led to Malcolm X's quitting the organization in March 1964. He then became a Sunni Muslim and made a pilgrimage to Mecca, after which he disavowed racism. He subsequently traveled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East and founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization, and the secular Pan-Africanist Organization of Afro-American Unity. Less than a year after he left the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X was assassinated by three members of the group while giving a speech in New York.

Now this is possibly my favorite person in history!!!

I recommend "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" for those wanting to learn more. It is one of my favorite books and it really taught me alot on myself and made me change certain directions on the way I took my life.....and I'm not even African American. He's a very controversial figure in America and I feel he doesn't get the respect that he deserves, however if your African American or Black in general....you seriously need to read this book!!!

 

[Buffy Summers]

AOMX is a great book. The book of the Malcolm X FBI files is also a very interesting read.

 

[zobothehobo]

I just had an interesting conversation about this with a friend of mine (who is black) on facebook. I'll copy and paste it. (I linked her to my two previous posts in this thread)

Her:
Not that you're wrong or anything, but I would like to put in my two cents on the matter if you please.

Black History Month originated (in 1926) with the need to educate Americans about the accomplishments and contributions blacks have made to US and World history. Most of these accomplishments often go ignored, especially since history education is largely based on the "great white man" theory.

While it is true that some people take this too far and treat February as "worship the ground I walk on because I'm black month", that is just a very very very very very very tiny portion of the race as a whole.

In my opinion, black history month is more for us rather than everyone else. I feel like black history month is a way to let the black generation know that we actually can acheive something, despite the 300+ years of American history telling us we couldn't. I could go through a 30 page list about the big and little things black people have contributed to society that oftentimes go overlooked or dismissed as unimportant

Geez...i'm writing a novel. Sorry zoo...

Anyway, people have to realize that the oppression/ harm of the black community is not ancient history. The civil rights movement was not too long ago. I think of my father, who worked in a white restaurant as a waiter and was spit on my many customers every single day and couldnt even eat the scraps off the plates. There are people very much alive, in their 50s and older who have been a part of the darkest period in american history. It's not a way of saying that the white people owe us something, nor is it a method of declaring black superiority. It's more of a reverence, remembrance, and respect of all those before us (and currently) who defied the LAWS of the country and SOCIETAL NORMS that kept blacks from becoming anything.

Yes, there should be more minority history months. That i cannot argue with. But condemning black history month, which I celebrate with great fervor actually, as something racist is a little bit offensive to those who don't really have an opportunity to learn their own history.

Me:
You guys have a president now to tell you you can achieve anything. Other minorities aren't even CLOSE to a president. I understand y'all needing that... but not anymore. As a member of an entirely different minority (which granted, isn't even a race but still), it upsets me that y'all get this special treatment and I don't. I know that's kind of selfish... but it's not just me. Like I said in my second post on BB, I think Mexican Americans need a history month if any racial minority group does. They get discriminated against all the time now... A LOT.

I'm not saying that the Civil Rights movement is ancient history... it's not even over yet. We've come a long way, but we learn about that in history class now-a-days.

I know you're not saying that white people owe you something, but that's how it feels and that's how it's been rammed down my throat for the past 14 years of my life. I respect the older generation of African Americans and everything they went through. I respect the younger generation and everything you're going through. But I feel singling black people out with a history month is unfair to other minorities. It's also treating ONE race as different from the others which I don't agree with at all. I live my life as close to being color blind as I can possibly be. it annoys me when other's don't.

Her:
And no, we don't actually get enough black history in normal american history class. Think about it, before IB HOTA, did you EVER read a textbook that had more than a few paragraphs about slavery? Slavery lasted over 200 years and yet most Americans treat that as a small blemish in our History. I can honestly say that it wasnt until I took an elective on African-American history and then HOTA that I truly learned about what slavery really entailed. I mean, we had an entire WAR based on preserving slavery (give or take a few more reasons), yet high-schoolers really aren't taught this. Many of the founding fathers held slaves and ordered the killings of native americans, but that oftentimes gets omitted from normal US history books.

Like I said before, it's not "white guilt month". It's unfortunate that many feel attacked because of black history month, but that's not how it's supposed to be. If you can read "funny facts" everyday (e.g., "A panda eats nothing but bamboo"), then it wouldnt hurt to learn ONE fact about black history that you didnt know about before. (Thurgood marshall was the first black on the supreme court). No one is forcing you to learn these. Learning one little fact won't ruin your day or even take your time. It's honestly not that big of a deal...

Me:
Well I never read textbooks at all... not even in HOTA. So I honestly couldn't tell you. I can say we did talk about it quite a bit in honors American history.

And learning facts about black history doesn't annoy me at all. What irritates me is when people make this big hulllaballoo over black history month when I feel we should just learn history. Thurgood Marshall was the first black on the supreme court is a great historical fact in my opinion. And it is important. But when people say things like "we need this month because the other 11 months of the year are white history month" it turns me off... also, I feel like history shouldn't be taught by race. It shouldn't be learned by race either.

I don't know if this is making any sort of sense... I'm out of coffee and diet coke, it's almost 10 and I've been up since 6...

Her:
Many other races have been discriminated against in US history. That's a shameful fact, but it's true and I definitely agree with you. But keep in mind that we actually DO have months dedicated to other minorities, they just aren't celebrated as heavily, which is something that I really dont agree with. (example- native american history month is in November) But that doesnt mean black history should be eliminated, just the others celebrated more.Also, through your logic, EVERY MINORITY month would be racist because it singles out a certain race. If they had a Mediterranean History month (and I still believe meditteranean is more an ethnicity than a race) who's to say that I can't think that month would be racist?

Me:
I think they should have ONE minority history month. That doesn't single any one minority out and you can learn several facts a day about different minorities. It would celebrate ALL minorities in this country and give them everything you've listed for why you appreciate black history month. And the minority I was talking about I was a part of was LGBT. That's why I said which isn't a race but still... It's not a race but we're discriminated against like crazy. My idea of a minority month would include us LGBT people. And on that note, I do find it offensive when LGBT people are singled out and overly praised too. Example: I find Glee this season to be incredibly offensive to the poin, I'm considering no watching. They've taken Kurt and his gayness and made him and it the central point and character. It's so over the top and celebrated, it offends me and makes me kinda sick to my stomach a little.

Her:
I love you zoe.

Me:
I love you too.


I included those last two to show our awesome love for each other.

 

[prophecygrrl]

You guys have a president now to tell you you can achieve anything. Other minorities aren't even CLOSE to a president. I understand y'all needing that... but not anymore. As a member of an entirely different minority (which granted, isn't even a race but still), it upsets me that y'all get this special treatment and I don't. I know that's kind of selfish... but it's not just me. Like I said in my second post on BB, I think Mexican Americans need a history month if any racial minority group does. They get discriminated against all the time now... A LOT.

It might interest you to know that as of now, there are zero black people in the Senate, and only around 40 in the House of Representatives. All minorities are still ridiculously underrepresented in politics. Barack Obama is only one man who had to fight tooth and nail to get to where he is. He's influential and powerful, but he's not the end of racism.

 

[zobothehobo]

It might interest you to know that as of now, there are zero black people in the Senate, and only around 40 in the House of Representatives. All minorities are still ridiculously underrepresented in politics. Barack Obama is only one man who had to fight tooth and nail to get to where he is. He's influential and powerful, but he's not the end of racism.

If I implied Obama being president was the end of racism, that was NOT my intention. There is no end to racism in sight. I think you missed the point of that paragraph. My point was racism against black people isn't anywhere near what it was even 10 years ago. But for other minority groups, racism and other forms of discrimination IS that bad.

 

[prophecygrrl]

If I implied Obama being president was the end of racism, that was NOT my intention. There is no end to racism in sight. I think you missed the point of that paragraph. My point was racism against black people isn't anywhere near what it was even 10 years ago. But for other minority groups, racism and other forms of discrimination IS that bad.

But is that reason enough to condemn Black History Month? Just because things have gotten marginally better?

I don't think Black History Month affects or threatens how other minorities are perceived, nor does it contribute to the marginalization of those minorities. Racism does. Bigotry does. Intolerance does. Black History Month has been used as a means to combat these problems. I celebrate it, and all the people BHM represents, for that.

 

[NY State of Mind]

Well being of Puerto Rican ancestory....Puerto Rican history in the US and PR is very similar to African Americans. Not only that, but many Puerto Ricans including myself have African/black roots in thier family tree themselves whether their PR blacks or mixed. This is why I always value these topics and even start conversations.

Zobo your friend was saying what I was getting at....it's purpose for pride and culture...the pride to believe you can accomplish great acheivements, etc.

I understand President Obama has acheived a mile stone other races haven't, however I couldn't entirely put him in the same class as most black/latino minorities. He had grew up with benefits I personally never had or will ever have for that matter. Besides the fact of him being Black or half, etc...(I'm not gonna go into that)....but the simple fact is...Do most people in the black community believe they can acheive great things because Obama? I wish it was Yes...its a main reason why people loved him so much because he could put that image so hopefully the black youths could now "wake up" so to speak.

But the truth is....most blacks, or minorities don't have rich white people to raise them...thier not related to other politicians, etc. They don't have money to afford a Harvard Education or come from stable enough environments to get into a educational state of mind. When I was growing up....I knew more successful criminals than anything else basically....I couldn't name you one doctor, architect I know from my old blocks especially a black or latino one. Blacks have been so set back that one privelaged half Black president that is always getting racial remarks till this year of 2011 is not really gonna change thier mind states. We still have a mind state of not being seen equal enough and always having to prove our equality which is why it's important that Black History Month is racial. Sure you could just name black people throughout history but the month makes it more significant than not even having a month. That being said I think the month needs to be improved.

Another thing is....Why do we make it more of a big deal for Black history month over other culture's months....simple answer is they fought for it longer and harder....I love my Puerto Rican culture...but realistically African Americans have fought much more for thier rights and organized way better than Puerto Ricans, Mexican, etc. Which is why you know about a Black History Month....They fought for that, it wasn't given! If Mexicans really need a month, etc. then themselves need to fight for it...no one else! The reason why California has Ceasar Chavez day is because Mexicans in California are way more political then most other state Mexican Americans.

 

[Buffy Summers]

I think they're suggesting we expand it, not condemn it 😉

 

[zobothehobo]

I think they're suggesting we expand it, not condemn it 😉

Exactly. As just black history month, I feel like it's restricting and over celebrates one race more than the others. Which I personally feel is wrong. I enjoy celebrating minorities and I respect the journey to equal rights every minority has and is going through.

My statement about Obama certainly didn't mean that he prove black people have achieved equality. I mean, I did say "the civil rights movement isn't even over." It's just like I said not nearly as bad as it was even 10 years ago.

I just feel like we should celebrate all minorities or none of them. I'm on the side of all minorities.