Black History Celebrated at UNCFSU Campus
posted by Dajah Johnson | February 23, 2016 | In Arts and Culture, Featured News, NewsBlack History Month is very important to so many people in America and around the world. Black History Month is an annual celebration of important people as well as the remembrance of notable events in American history.
Black History Month first started out as Negro History Week in 1926. The success of the week prospered, as it incited the production of black history clubs, expanded the enthusiasm among educators, as well as the enthusiasm from whites. Negro History Week developed with leaders around the United States embracing it as a holiday. The month was first proposed by students at Kent State University in Ohio in February 1969, and was celebrated there a year later.
In 1976, Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government. This celebratory month is based on and targeted to those who are of African descent, although many people of all types celebrate and support. During this time, people come together in several different ways so that the African-American legacy can live on.
Although the purpose of the month is a thing to celebrate, good things have not always come from it. Black History Month at times starts an annual debate about its usefulness, as well as its fairness, due to its dedication to one race. Many believe that black history should not be limited to just one month, and that it should be integrated into education daily.
There are many other reasons why Black History Month causes so much controversy, but the main criticism behind it, is that the celebration is racist. Famous people have even spoken about the usefulness of Black History Month, such as Stacey Dash.
According to Vibe magazine, Dash sparked controversy for comments made on Fox News. “If we don’t want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards, and the [NAACP] Image Awards, where you’re only awarded if you’re black. …If it were the other way around, we would be up in arms. It’s a double standard […] Just like there shouldn’t be a Black History Month. We’re American, that’s it.”
She does not regret anything that she has said and even used Morgan Freeman, who opposes the month on entirely different grounds, as a crutch to backup her comments, according to the Washington Post.
However, her comments should not hinder anyone else from the annual celebration. The holiday is still very important, whether people agree with it or not, otherwise it would not have been recognized from the very beginning.
Black History Month is celebrated everywhere from small communities to schools to other countries. Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Fayetteville State University, dedicate many events to this holiday. On February 17, SGA is hosting a Color Blind event and discussion. And Bronco Cinema will do a black history double feature on February 20.
HBCUs are critical in the celebration of black history as a month and in daily education. It is important to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” as President Gerald Ford said.
Black history is a part of American history. Although one month is recognized for black history, it does not take away from people doing their research and educating themselves. If any of you believe that black history should be integrated why not challenge yourself and peers to make it happen? Starting here at FSU and reaching out to other schools could possibly make that happen. Let’s make this year count!
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