BLACK CONTRIBUTIONS OFTEN OVERLOOKED

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

EVERY February the nation comes together to celebrate the achieve-ments of Africans and African-Americans to the world.

Although it is the shortest month of the year, all of the contributions made by people of color can't be covered in any one month. Black history extends back to the time of the New Kingdom in Egypt and the Kush kingdom in the Nile River valley to the newly elected president of the United States, Barack Obama. (The New Kingdom in Egypt formed around the same time as the Kush kingdom in 3000 B.C. The Kush kingdom at one point spread across the entire continent of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe.)

Before I proceed with this article one person needs to be acknowledged for his scholastic vision and providence, the great Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson, a native Virginian, is the sole reason that the United States, Canada and Great Britain acknowledge Black History Month.

In 1926, Woodson pioneered the celebration of Africans and African-Americans when he started "Negro History Week." During this time, it was designated for the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass due to their influences of improving the social conditions of African-Americans.

Negro History Week turned into Black History Month in 1976 through the perseverance of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History , an organization Woodson founded in 1915.

As a child, I learned about the plethora of contributions made by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. They, alongside many others, were responsible for establishing the United States of America. Their work is undeniable, but without the contributions of enslaved Africans and freed blacks it wouldn't have come to fruition.

Black History Month was the only time I heard about the accomplishments of my people. It was quite frustrating, because I often wondered why our contributions were relegated to the shortest month of the year.

1 2 Next Page

WHAT BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEANS TO US: The inspiration for these three articles came from a discussion I had with friend and author Michael Aubrecht. We talked one day in November about writing something for Black History Month in which we would provide perspectives on the significance of black history from a white man and a black man. One of our mutual acquaintances wanted to voice her opinion on the topic as well. Liane DiStefano comes from a biracial heritage and she brings not only a female voice, but a voice that can speak from both sides of the coin. --Christopher Williams

Date published: 2/14/2009

1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
2. Please avoid offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or defamatory language.
3. Read and follow THE RULES.
4. We will block violaters and ban repeat offenders.

Breaking News - click here to have the latest delivered to your email box or cell phone