THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502140111
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOHN L. HORTON
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Is Black History Month necessary?
I believe the answer is ``yes.''
Black History Month is necessary because it showcases and highlights certain significant and profound aspects of African Americans. Black History Month helps to instill pride, dignity, awareness and understanding among African-American people and among other people to whom African Americans must relate to and interact with in everyday life.
Black History Month dramatizes and tells the story of where African Americans have been, of where they are now, and hopefully, of where they will be in the future.
Black History Month affords us an opportunity to reflect on our pre-American existence and learn about the great African empires of Mali, Songhay, Old Ghana, Kanem-Bornu, Benin, Kush and others. It informs us of the early Africans who accompanied the European discovers and explorers to the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries. It tells us of the 20 Africans who landed at Jamestown, Va., in August 1619.
During Black History Month, we learn about the many accomplishments and contributions of Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Richard Allen, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, James Derham, John S. Rock and others during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Black History Month teaches us about the 5,000 slaves and free blacks who served in the Continental Army and Navy between 1776 and 1781, enabling America to gain her independence. Further, we learn about the black cowboys, frontiersmen and ``buffalo soldiers'' who helped to pioneer and settle the Old West during the mid- and late 1800s.
Black History Month allows us to revisit and experience the times, trials and triumphs of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Walter F. White, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ralph Bunche, A. Philip Randolph, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Whitney Young Jr., Roy Wilkins and others forever enshrined in memory and history.
Moreover, Black History Month introduces us to the hundreds and thousands of African-American athletes, musicians, dancers, writers, composers, architects, inventors, engineers, scientists, physicians, lawyers, educators, politicians, civil rights activists, preachers, entrepreneurs, actors, media personalities, government officials and important others who have made significant and lasting contributions to all mankind.
Although it is generally understood and realized that Black History Month encompasses only a general outline or brief overview of African Americans and their history, it is felt, nonetheless, that Black History Month is the mudsill and foundation upon which a more profound, lasting and meaningful relationship and experience can be built.
Black History Month is the grassroots level; it is the candle that refuses to curse the darkness; it is the flickering spark that will help to light the eternal flame of brotherhood and human understanding.
Accordingly, Black History Month serves a good and honest and just purpose. It is one of the most effective and significant means by which a beautiful and noble people have to express and share themselves with others. It is a vehicle of heritage, culture and pride on a journey of love, understanding and acceptance. As such, there will always be a time, a place and a need for Black History Month. MEMO: John L. Horton lives on Camellia Road in Norfolk. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
John L. Horton
by CNB