Importance of Black History

February is Black History Month.

Up to the early 20th century, most American knowledge of Black history was limited to the African American struggle through slavery and emancipation, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Recognizing the full scope of African American achievements in the United States is important for understanding defining moments in the country's history.

Importance

Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) in 1915 to "create and disseminate knowledge of Black history," according to the association's web site. Woodson believed that education on accomplishments and contributions of African Americans would help to dispel myths and improve race relations. Woodson was a pioneer in making African American history familiar and accessible for all Americans. The omission of any group from history teachings results in a limited understanding of history's relationship with the present and future. Woodson's work was the platform to ensure that students and historians today receive an unbiased education that includes discussion of the contributions of African Americans and other minority groups.

History

The recognition of African American history as part of American history took nearly a century of work. Negro History Week was created in February 1926 as a celebration and extension of the study of Black history. February was chosen because it was the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, men both revered and studied by historians. Woodson wanted to expand the appreciation of African American history to the accomplishments of the entire race. Negro History Week became popular in schools in the Black community throughout the first half of the 20th century. The ASAALH responded with the creation of annual themes and provided study materials for use in schools. As the civil rights movement of the 1960s progressed, several states began to shift from Negro History Week to a month-long celebration. The association permanently replaced Negro History Week with Black History Month on a national basis in February 1976. African American History Month is now part of the history curriculum in most schools across the country.

Significance

The significance of Black history is recognition of the advancements and accomplishments of a group of people once defined by the Constitution as three-fifths of a person. While slavery in America hosts the background of Black history, the African American impact on history reaches beyond the country's early history, as African Americans have made significant contributions to every field of endeavor, including politics, science, culture, social causes, arts, literature, athletics and the economy. The ASAALH's goal is to remind all Americans that African Americans contribute to every facet of American life and culture.

Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement is a familiar aspect of Black history and it is often a focus of Black History Month celebrations. Racial tensions and segregation in the American South led to nonviolent marches, protests and boycotts in the 1950s and 1960s. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a key leader in the movement that focused on guaranteeing equal treatment and rights for all persons, regardless of race. Although prejudices and tensions still exist, the impact of this movement resulted in legal changes that allow protection of civil rights for all Americans.

Controversy

The study of African American history, and specifically Black History Month, sparks a perennial debate about the merits of having a month dedicated to the recognition of the accomplishments of a single ethnic group. Some historians and activists argue that African American history should not be confined to a month and should instead be fully integrated with an American history curriculum and studied all year long.

References

• The Association for the Study of African American Life and History:
• Teaching K-8: African American Scientific Contributions - Extended List
• Watson: The Civil Rights Movement 1955-1965
• MSNBC: Readers Debate Black History Month's future
• Harvard University: Department of African and African American Studies

Resources

• Encyclopedia Smithsonian: African American History and Culture