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Thread: Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

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    Default Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    http://www.blackmystory.com/modules/...p?storyid=4089

    By Bakari Akil II

    Many complain, criticize and ponder on the necessity of Black History Month (BHM) and even question its effectiveness. At times, I have been guilty of these unfair assessments and have often witnessed or read about others making comments such as:

    It's too commercialized!

    It's Negro Employment Month!

    Here we go again with the same old faces and same old names; and

    It is just a month long feel-good session with no tangible results!

    The combinations and variations of the above can be recited ad nauseam and have already begun to circulate as February approaches. However, as each year passes, it has become apparent that the existence of Black History Month is not the issue. It is our approach to it.

    Not only has the majority of the Black populace, for which it was created, not taken an active role in its promotion, we have not taken an active role in its development either. For the most part, individuals who cite the previously mentioned criticisms do so in jest and to point out some absurdities in the society of which we find ourselves a part. Yet, others are 'dead serious' about this type of analysis, which is fine, if there is some type of fruitful action that follows.

    Black History Month, which used to be Negro History Week and owes it origins to the prolific writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has enormous potential if Black communities will recognize the possibilities. We must realize that there is no other time where this much concentrated effort and energy is placed on highlighting Black achievement. We must take advantage of it and in fact, must squeeze every ounce of usefulness out of this time that we have available.

    Commercialism

    If we allow our only representations for Black History Month to be limited to commercial TV, radio spots or apathetic school systems, then what should we expect? If Black communities allow its' legacies to be trivialized, then whose fault is it really?

    Black history being acknowledged by McDonald's or school systems where only 'safe' historical icons are glorified is not the problem. It's always pleasant, albeit boring, to hear about those who have achieved greatness, even if it's the 100th time I've heard about Garrett A. Morgan and his version of the traffic light, or Jan Matzeliger and his shoe lasting machine. Yet, the onus is not on McDonald's or any other corporate entity to provide meaningful content about the Black community along with your hamburger and fries. It is the responsibility of individual citizens to make Black History Month something of value and worthwhile to themselves and others.

    What should we do?

    We can take responsibility in numerous ways. One of the easiest ways to do so is by attending ceremonies, presentations, speeches, galas, etc, that highlight Black culture and history. By doing this it demonstrates that we are not only concerned about our history, but are proud of our forbearers' successes as well as struggles. What may be even better than our attendance may be our actual participation in these events and adding our own personal talents.

    Yet, this is only a miniscule portion of the possible actions that we can take to make BHM an experience that we can not only look forward too, but that can quell even the most stubborn naysayers. One thing we can do is engage those with whom we are close throughout this month on issues pertaining to Black culture and history, challenging them and ourselves to probe deeper and to understand why our heritages are so important.

    Gathering a deeper understanding of the history of Black businesses in the US and further demonstrating that understanding of its importance by conducting business with one is another alternative. Acknowledging the role that economics has played in our overall development, either in making Black communities independent or more dependent is an area, in which, we should all focus.

    Quickly, what else can we do to make BHM exceptional? How about :

    Learn about historical figures and share that knowledge with others.

    Hold family discussions and read Black history to children.

    Rent, buy or watch Black historical documentaries or movies.

    Make trips to Black owned bookstores (if available) and purchase books, audiotapes and other Black history paraphernalia.

    Wear Black history on your 'sleeve' by wearing cultural items or clothing.

    Gain a deeper appreciation of Black music of different genres and eras.

    Reach out to youth in your circle of influence or in your community.

    Use creativity to make your community understand how important BHM is; and

    For those who already active, become even more active!

    In the final analysis, Black History Month is what we make it. The criticisms leveled at this period of time are really criticisms that we are leveling at ourselves. Could it be that WE are actually mediocre, playing it safe, not going deep enough and are shallow in our examination and our aspirations? Society is often a reflection of the individuals who make up that society. So if Black History Month and our society's celebration of it is inconsequential, then what does that say about us?

    I don't know about you, but I'm going to "get my Black History Month on" starting February 1st, 2004!

    Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
    you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.

    ~Mary Schmich~

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GF!!!!!

    That means a lot to me and i totally agree!

    Seraya.


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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    I second that 1...
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    You bet! BHM is a very good thing. Many people learn so much. I myself love reading books about people. And if it's educational i read more. This is very new to me.

    Where i live, across the street we have a huge auditorium with a huge field, and they meet for Martin Luther King day! IT's sooo cool.

    Open to all. Nice gathering from what i see, i have not participated, maybe i should get involved more. I work (at the hospital) with some of the best and most loved black people!

    Pamela

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Not to sound totally racist or ant-people but I'll celebrate Black History Month when it becomes aceptable for me to have a shirt that reads celtic pride or white pride! I am accused of being racist simply for my look and when i talk about pride of my celtic heritage I am accused of racism....When I say you people referring to a group of people and there is a black person in that group i am accused of racism...
    I'll clue ya in to something... I'm not racist I hate everyone!People in general suck! I hope this doesnt start some anti-blade campaign,and if my words offended anyone,that was not my intention,I am simply speaking my mind.

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    God/dess montythegeek's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    I like this line from GF's article--"Here we go again with the same old faces and same old names".
    What is history supposed to change from one year to the next? I think History of any kind is interesting. Hell, I am watching the History Channel now.

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    Veteran Member Nina's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by Blade is a D.j. link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74842#msg74842 date=1077076880
    Not to sound totally racist or ant-people but I'll celebrate Black History Month when it becomes aceptable for me to have a shirt that reads celtic pride or white pride! I am accused of being racist simply for my look and when i talk about pride of my celtic heritage I am accused of racism....When I say you people referring to a group of people and there is a black person in that group i am accused of racism...
    Blade I totally get what you are saying about your wanting to wear that shirt. Without self pride or knowledge and accpetance of your heritage how can anyone be a complete and happy person. I don't think that a person has to take anything away from themselves or their heritage in order to celebrate someone else's. Fetishising anothers culture and turning it into a source of entertainment or using it to cash in is a whole 'nother story.

    The reason that Black History Month is important to me is that here in the U.S. EVERY month is White History month and most of us don't even notice it. It's like not noticing the how it feels to breathe, you do it every day all day long and most of us don't even take it into consideration. A person wearing a gas mask can damn sure tell you how every breath felt.

    The commercialism of Black History Month is just like any other "holiday". Corporations exist to make money and use any angle to further that cause. Wrapping something up in the form of "Mulitculturalism" or "Black Heritage Celebrations" doesn't change anything-- it's just another ad campaign for CocaC### or Miller Genuine #####, or Fo#d TRucks..... Black Families celebrate our blackness on a daily basis---well just like everyone else in the world there are different classes and socio-economic //religious or education levels within our group and we all do things differently, but don't believe we all sit around waiting for February to remember ourselves.

    Black History Month today seems to be more of a reminder to those who are NOT Black that Blacks in America have accomplished much more than the popular media and history stories would lead you to believe.
    Sometimes PC'ness can get on our nerves (it sure gets on mine) but not everyone understands why somethings are hurtfull to others and no amount of explaining can make them understand. Policy or moral indignation is then put into place until after some time it finally clicks "Oh! calling that guy a fag IS demeaning" and you no longer need to drill people with it--it's just common sense...... Hopefully SOME day we'll get to the point where we don't need Black History or Women's Studies or Gay/Lesbian Contributions to Society months or classes or special corporate sensitivity training- we'll all just value each other as seperate and worthy beings. But then what fun would that be??

    Oh BTW History changes every day, just like your individual memory, goals and perception change imagine if you had to deal with the input of a couple thousand people. Nothing is static and History is written by the winners.
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by Blade is a D.j. link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74842#msg74842 date=1077076880
    Not to sound totally racist or ant-people but I'll celebrate Black History Month when it becomes aceptable for me to have a shirt that reads celtic pride or white pride! I am accused of being racist simply for my look and when i talk about pride of my celtic heritage I am accused of racism....When I say you people referring to a group of people and there is a black person in that group i am accused of racism...
    I'll clue ya in to something... I'm not racist I hate everyone!People in general suck! I hope this doesnt start some anti-blade campaign,and if my words offended anyone,that was not my intention,I am simply speaking my mind.
    You should wear whatever you want ..I think the only reason someone would think you're a racist if you wore a shirt that said "white pride" is because of the "gang" that uses that name.. Unfortunately we live in a world where you are judged by what you wear. Its up to you to chose how you want to live YOUR life .
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Nina and Farrah, I just wanted to thank you both for the way you handled my post..After reading it I realized my thoughts could have seriously started a war and while you both gave me the room to express my opinion you both pointed out some very valid points.
    It is indeed sad that in the year 2004 we still judge others by how they dress,look,etc...but we are making some headway I suppose.
    here's to a time when all people are actually created equal!
    Blade

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    God/dess Farrah_Holiday's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    I second that Blade !!
    My new love...is me !

    Even the greatest authority does not, ultimately, know you as you know yourself.
    Jhuka

    When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
    Maya Angelou


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    Featured Member TiNi's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Im black but Im not African American. My family is from Guyana, South America. And it sad because I know alot of people like myself that dont care too much about Black History Month that are minorities. Is that wrong ??? I studied American History and Global History. I went to a diverse high school.

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by TiNi SyNS link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74891#msg74891 date=1077086326
    Im black but Im not African American. My family is from Guyana, South America. And it sad because I know alot of people like myself that dont care too much about Black History Month that are minorities. Is that wrong ??? I studied American History and Global History. I went to a diverse high school.
    It's not wrong...it's life. Although, do keep in mind, Nina's comment about "History is written by the winners" is pretty right on.

    If you go and read your high school history books, you will start to realize that the Americans are portrayed as "almighty" for almost everything they did from the time they started the 13 colonies to the World Wars (we are portrayed as heros in the WWII section) and also the Vietnam and Korean Wars...I am not sure about how the Desert Storm wars are portrayed since they happened when I was in high school.

    History is only about what they want you to remember. Don't ever take a historians word on anything...LOL...they are completely biased.

    I think it's important to have a cultural history month...the only sad thing is that most people only do their cultural reasearch during that one month and forget about it the rest of the year.

    As an American, you should be proud of ALL ethnic/cultural history, since we are a melting pot here and all ethnicities and cultures have shaped what America is today.

    And, Blade...I completely understand what you are saying about having to have tolerance, but not experiencing the same. At the same time, though, please remember that usually when (in the past) people would say "White Power", it was the KKK or some clan like that. A lot of people have problems hearing phrases like that and not having visions of grown men playing dress up with bed sheets. That phrase usually causes people to think "racism", "hatred", and "oppression". It may not be what you are meaning, but that's still how it comes off. There are many ways of saying the same thing without instilling the negative thinking. Hopefully one day, we will not need to use a color before the word "power".

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sapphire link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74884#msg74884 date=1077085196
    Who cares that George Washington Carver invented peanut butter?
    I care about G.W. Carter. First the peanut butter reference is only a tease to get grade school kids to make the connections of people from the past to their everyday lives since they are intimately familiar with peanut butter.

    In a more accurate sense, George Washington Carver was a major contibutor to environmentalism, maybe one of the first. You see at the time the South was almost exclusively a one-crop agriculture system--cotton and the soul was depleting in nutrients near the surface. By planting peanuts periodically, nitrogen was reintroduced into the soil which increased the amount of cotton per acre and people's incomes rose noticeably. And the peanut also provides an incredible number of very useful products.

    This major contibution to "sustainable agriculture" (rather than depleting the soil and moving on) came within about a generation after this large group of people were freed from shackles. That is remarkable.

    In a sense of problem solving, the acheivement today would be the equivalent of a child of illegal immigrants finding a zucchini which prevents global warming.

    Do you care more now?

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by Blade is a D.j. link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74842#msg74842 date=1077076880
    Not to sound totally racist or ant-people but I'll celebrate Black History Month when it becomes aceptable for me to have a shirt that reads celtic pride or white pride! I am accused of being racist simply for my look and when i talk about pride of my celtic heritage I am accused of racism....When I say you people referring to a group of people and there is a black person in that group i am accused of racism...
    I'll clue ya in to something... I'm not racist I hate everyone!People in general suck! I hope this doesnt start some anti-blade campaign,and if my words offended anyone,that was not my intention,I am simply speaking my mind.
    Blade - We spoke in chat lastnight and i already told you when you made you post here that i wasn't in the least bit offeneded by what you wrote and i understand where you are coming from ..... Discrimination is discrimination is doesn't matter what side its coming form.



    Quote Originally Posted by TiNi SyNS link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74891#msg74891 date=1077086326
    Im black but Im not African American. My family is from Guyana, South America. And it sad because I know alot of people like myself that dont care too much about Black History Month that are minorities. Is that wrong ??? I studied American History and Global History. I went to a diverse high school.


    TINI SYNS- It is not wrong BUT i feel that it is important that you educate yourself about your culture and background, just like any body else. History i believe is VERY important infact more than some of us even realise.

    Like i said i didn't learn a great deal about black history at school, i went to a diverse school also, i was raised by rascist white ppl who i love very very much and they love me and my mum very much also ( even though are not lovers of black ppl ).... but i educated MYSELF ..... i read and read and read and boy i am glad i did because like venus and sapphire mentioned "they only teach you lies in school" .... and i believe that you have to know where you came from and where your ppl came from to fully know your self .... black people are about a lot more than just hiphop and street culture.... we have contributed to a LOT.

    Knowledge is power sista

    Seraya.


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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Ok i couldn't post much last night because i was really tired lol it was around 5.00am when i read GF post.


    The reason why this is somewhat of a deal to me and the reason why i appreiciate GF's post is because unlike here at least event's like this get a lil bit of acknowledgement.

    We have black history month here but i can tell you that 70% of the black population themseves here do not even know when it its..... also any celebration's which are broadcasted, are shown on "BBC 2" ( the boring channel lol ) at like 2 am in the morning. Same way black films are shown on the crappy tv stations ( unless u have digital tv ) in the early hrs ofv the morning...... unless its a documentry about gangs or gun culture which are given priority and shown on the channels which get most ratings at 9.00pm where everybody can watch it.

    Black children aren't taught black studies or black history in schools here... my school is one of the very few or maybe the only one that actually teaches this subject in london ( i can't speak for the whole of UK ) but even then we only touched on subject...... students are not even given this choice.


    Seraya.

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Wow GF..that was a really good link that you found! The author said everything that I've been wanting to say for years!! (And hey I'm only 20) It is utterly sickening for me when Black History Month rolls around. Like the author said, you see the comercial on historical black figures that you know (ie. Martin Luther King, Garret A. Morgan, etc) but what about all of the others?! I've been gettin spoon fed the "usual" black history inventors, public figures list since I was 6yrs old. If it weren't for me having an interest in HISTORY (not just black history) then I too would be one of the many people who put up a front about how good black history month is.

    Now dont get me wrong, I love my culture, but at times I really feel like living in the year 2004..We shouldn't even have this month anymore..Now hold on..get your thongs outta bunch ladies (smile) What I mean by that is HISTORY is just that...HISTORY! It should be taught all year round like the rest of history we have to sit and listen to.

    I remember being in school, and only learning about (for lack of a better word) white history. But as soon as Feburary 1st hit, I'd walk into class and see posters of George Washington Carver, Benjamen Bannaker, and others. The same scenario applies to my job. Feb. 1st, as soon as I sat at my desk, checked my lotus notes, I saw that I had mail. I go to it, and from the "Diversity and Inclusion" board of HR, they inform us of the necessity of black history month. And in celebration, here is a crossword puzzle...WTF?!

    There is no reason for people to have to sit back and say, "Oh yea it's Febuary, let me go learn about my people" The knowledge of this country, of this world is so great...I just dont see why people limit themselves to just one month. Ok, I'm off my soapbox now, lemme get back to sleep..TTYL soon ok







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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Wouldn't it be better to try and incorporate 'black history' into 'history' so that rather than dividing groups into months that we need to study seperately we could just study history and learn about, well...history?
    Quote Originally Posted by _Avery_ View Post
    omg, why is it so huge?!! lol lol

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Seraya and Venus thank you for your messages. I do know about my culture. I think everyone should know where they come from. I studied black history as well, I think everyone has. I just dont celebrate the month. My family were not apart of the slavery, or never ran into KKK. I dont associate myself with that. It's sad that some people go through that and that it still happens today. Also I agree with Lestat.

    Also Cinnamon I totally agree. You are just like me.

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by lestat1 link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg75046#msg75046 date=1077133450
    Wouldn't it be better to try and incorporate 'black history' into 'history' so that rather than dividing groups into months that we need to study seperately we could just study history and learn about, well...history?
    I just read this thread in its entirety for the first time and I'm glad someone stepped forward to say this. The challenge with many of the racially-based groups in America is that they are working to sway the balance the other direction now. Rather than ask for equality, they want the balance to work into their direction now which is equally unfair as to whence we came. In my opinion, Black History Month exists only for one reason and it's part of political correctness.

    History is history, and granted there are always going to be biases (much like how many people now are trying to rewrite history to suit themselves). However, we do have to face facts here, and at the risk of hurting a few people's feelings, blacks haven't accomplished much throughout history. That's not to say it's their fault, it's just reality. The reality unfortunately has been caused by centuries of disgusting and racist whites who have thought that blacks were no more a person than any other animal and worthy of nothing more than being slaves. For that, I'm deeply ashamed of my forefathers who thought that. As a person of jewish decent, and someone who had 50+ members of my family murdered during the Holocaust, I can relate. All I'm saying though, is that blacks for centuries never built major or modern civilizations, they never led the world in major cultural movements, with minor exceptions, they never conquered other civilizations, they never had created revolutionary technology. History is event driven, which is what causes people to take note of things that eventually become "historic".

    I have no issue with studying black history. In fact I encourage it, as part of learning about history much the same way about learning of Spanish history, or Nordic history, or Celtic history, etc. Do we need a "Black History Month?" that I'm not sure about. It just seems like another PC driven movement in my opinion. What we need to do though is get back on track with equality, not division. I just wish that many of the black leaders would start to understand that not every white person walks around with a confederate flag and a white hood wanting them to drink out of special water fountains and ride in the back of the bus. I also wish that many of the black leaders (who often do NOT represent the black mainstream) would stop being so racist themselves. It doesn't help their cause of equality at all.

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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by lestat1 link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg75046#msg75046 date=1077133450
    Wouldn't it be better to try and incorporate 'black history' into 'history' so that rather than dividing groups into months that we need to study seperately we could just study history and learn about, well...history?
    Yep yep i TOTALLy agree #1.

    Seraya.


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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by seraya (london) link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg74949#msg74949 date=1077115896
    Ok i couldn't post much last night because i was really tired lol it was around 5.00am when i read GF post.


    The reason why this is somewhat of a deal to me and the reason why i appreiciate GF's post is because unlike here at least event's like this get a lil bit of acknowledgement.

    We have black history month here but i can tell you that 70% of the black population themseves here do not even know when it its..... also any celebration's which are broadcasted, are shown on "BBC 2" ( the boring channel lol ) at like 2 am in the morning. Same way black films are shown on the crappy tv stations ( unless u have digital tv ) in the early hrs ofv the morning...... unless its a documentry about gangs or gun culture which are given priority and shown on the channels which get most ratings at 9.00pm where everybody can watch it.

    Black children aren't taught black studies or black history in schools here... my school is one of the very few or maybe the only one that actually teaches this subject in london ( i can't speak for the whole of UK ) but even then we only touched on subject...... students are not even given this choice.


    Seraya.

    Ps I love the smlies
    Thats sad I always thought the UK was so progressive. I have family there and in Bermuda. Here in the states t.v stations like KQED ( public television) BET, MTV and the History Channel are all running programs on Black history.

    here are a few more links you might find of interest

    http://internettrash.com/users/njblk...l.com/main.htm

    http://www.ibiblio.org/nge/blacked/tablecontents.html
    My new love...is me !

    Even the greatest authority does not, ultimately, know you as you know yourself.
    Jhuka

    When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
    Maya Angelou


  22. #22
    God/dess Farrah_Holiday's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    My new love...is me !

    Even the greatest authority does not, ultimately, know you as you know yourself.
    Jhuka

    When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
    Maya Angelou


  23. #23
    God/dess montythegeek's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by lestat1 link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg75046#msg75046 date=1077133450
    Wouldn't it be better to try and incorporate 'black history' into 'history' so that rather than dividing groups into months that we need to study seperately we could just study history and learn about, well...history?
    LOL #1. Try showing up at your mom's house on mother's day emptyhanded and tell her you love her EVERY day. Or a SO (or substitute) on Valentine's day.

    What does it cost society to have "Black History Month"? A few pieces of posterboard at the library and in grade schools that they can use next year. Compare that to the chance of actually getting some kids to READ_A_BOOK because it is about people they can learn something from or identify with rather than some Reader's digest condensed version of history in a textbook where you get 2 pages a year.

    If it worked, I would be entirely willing to have a rotating History-of-the-Month Club if it got kids reading. I personally credit by interest in reading and history to kid library books which were biographies of people. Sure they were sapified for kids but I read about PEOPLE not factoids.

  24. #24
    Veteran Member Pumpkin Pie's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Fortunately, due to human horniness, separate distinct races will be eventually an oddity. As more and more mixed race children are born, they will become the majority. So don't sweat the racists ... and there's just as many racists in within each race. They're on their way to extinction.

    What I'm waiting for is when mixed race adults view themselves as a group and don't do the percentages game of what race they identify themselves with. I really hope I can live to see that day.
    Have a question about boarding schools?
    Get it answered at Boarding School Forums.

  25. #25
    God/dess Farrah_Holiday's Avatar
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    Default Re:Why celebrate Black History month in 2004?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pumpkin Pie link=board=1;threadid=6712;start=msg75253#msg75253 date=1077165768
    Fortunately, due to human horniness, separate distinct races will be eventually an oddity. As more and more mixed race children are born, they will become the majority. So don't sweat the racists ... and there's just as many racists in within each race. They're on their way to extinction.

    What I'm waiting for is when mixed race adults view themselves as a group and don't do the percentages game of what race they identify themselves with. I really hope I can live to see that day.
    Good for you..someday will we all view ourself as one race HUMAN just like it was thousands of years ago. Until that time, its important that we all educate ourselves

    here is another link, you might have to copy and paste it

    internettrash.com/users/[email protected]/main.htm

    hugs,
    Farrah

    My new love...is me !

    Even the greatest authority does not, ultimately, know you as you know yourself.
    Jhuka

    When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
    Maya Angelou


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