Mind you, I am not asking this question because I want an answer. Of course we need Black History Month. We as a society always need be mindful of the history that African Americans have had in this country. A history that includes slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, advances in medicine, technology, and business, and of course, a history that has led us all the way to the highest office in the land-The President of the United States.
But while I was in the grocery store check out line, I was behind a Caucasian woman who was picking through the magazines that often fill the check out area. She was with another woman and as she picked up a magazine, she asked the woman, “Since Obama is now the President, do we need Black History Month anymore?”
I went right home and changed my Facebook status to reflect her question.
Some seem to think that we live in a post racial society. But I am sure most of you (hopefully all of you) know that is not the truth. While speaking of race issues in this country can be a sticky topic, especially on a blog like mine that is considered “a Mom Blog”, I still think I owe it to myself and my readers to speak my mind, even if it might upset a small constituency of my subscribers and audience.
Yes Obama is President and yes we as African Americans have come a long way, but we still have such a long way to go. There is still racism in this country. There are still times when I cringe because someone says something degrading like “You talk white”, “You live in a White area” etc. etc. These misconceptions and tags are still prevelant. Until they are completely gone, there is work that must be done. Work for all of us who live in the world.
There are problems on both sides.
Yes, we need Black History Month. Yes, it needs to be recognized. Because there are a lot of things that society as a whole do not know about, contributions that have been made amongst Blacks.
I challenge each and every one of my readers to take time to research and learn about Black History. And not just THIS month, but the whole year long.
Check out the Biography Channel’s Black History Month page. I appreciate in comments you may have regarding this topic.
I can't think of a better way to say this, but who our President is has nothing to do with Black History Month. IMO we wouldn't necessarily need Black History Month if the history of African American people and culture were truly integrated into the rest of what is being taught in history. That would be more like a post-racial society to me. I'm certain from here on, Barack Obama will be a big part of Black History Month, and while he has certainly earned his place in history (black or otherwise) I hope that doesn't overshadow many other historical figures that are woefully ignored 11 months out of the year.
I think you put it right when you said we have come so far, but have so far to go. Black History Month doesnt have to be just February, but if we allow it to be that, it will be JUST that.
I'm really suprised you only got the two comments on this, it's a topic I'd like to see more discussion about. One of the best things that I think came from Barack Obama's campaign is that race is not such a taboo subject anymore. I hope his Presidency does not completely eclipse the history he made in his campaign.
WOW..I am saddened to hear that woman's thoughts..simply uneducated. I am glad you changed your facebook status to reflect her ignorant statement.
@kelliechio
Wow, the fact that that lady made that statement in the store makes it obvious that we still “need” it! Some folks just don’t get it and refuse to try.