So we come to the last day of Black History Month. Does this mean we should stop exploring the struggles and accomplishments from the past and the present of Blacks in America? Should the schools turn back to the anglo-oriented history books in the classroom? Can we fill in the check box that we participated in Black History Month events during the month of February? Can the television networks go back to their regularly “scheduled” programs? Does the dialogue of racial injustice come to a stop? Is there no more to learn?
I think Maya Angelo was onto something when she said, “Won’t it be wonderful when black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U. S. history.”
I believe in 2015, we should already have integrated our textbooks so that we don’t compartmentalize history. Things were happening simultaneously and must be taken in context not as a separate laundry list of items.
The same should apply with cultural events. They should occur year round rather than only fixed times of year. So you don’t have to wait a whole year to see cultural Broadway shows, television specials, art events only once a year.
I feel that we all should be constantly evolving not stagnant when it comes to our education and exposure to diversity. When Black History Month began it was a way to bring to light the struggles and contributions to America but if we have evolved we should create an all-inclusive history and it should be normal to see more diversity in our culture year round.
Morgan Freeman, a well-known african american actor, also said it well when he said, “I don’t want a Black History Month, Black history is American history.”
When all are included we will then be a true United States of America.
I hope for us all that we can continue to enrich our lives by exposing ourselves to more each day. We still have a lot more work to do.
In this spirit, I will continue to incorporate more diverse information on my blog throughout the year whether it is about amazing books by black authors, movies, humanitarian aid opportunities as well as my cultural products I produce for Belinda’s Crafts.
Have a blessed day and thanks for taking the time to listen.
Belinda
What a great post Belinda. I agree with you and the others. History is history, not to be taught for a day, a week or a month but to be taught truthfully, the good the bad and the ugly which has made the US what it is today, and how far we have come and the obstacles we still need to overcome.
Hey girlfriend! I am so glad you took the time to leave a comment. I feel positive that forward progress will be made in this area in the coming years. It just simply has to.