Return to current topic
Topic for
3/3/97:		 The most interesting lesson I learned during Black History Month was...



Name: Ralegas
Email: ralegas@juno.com
Response: The Right to Question...Don't know why but I was recently struck by a scene from the television series Roots. In this idyllic scene, Lavar Burton is depicted as an adolescent African warrior, out foraging for game when he is set upon by the lowest of the vile - a group of slavers - who proceed to capture and serve his tribe unto the heinous institution of slavery. Most, Americans, have seen the television series and know only too well the horror and humiliation that befall the Sons of Africa when they are shipped away in chains to the Americas. But I was struck not so much by the inhumanity of the moment and the subsequent betrayal of the basic tenets of civilization that unfolds in the series and in real life, what struck me was the aftermath: The shameless capitulation of an entire continent to the defilers and their bastard descendants.Why was there no clarion call... a summons to arms that should have galvanized an entire continent to resist "en masse"' this unwanted intrusion into the natural evolution of a people? I was left to wonder what form of government failed its people so badly that it could not or would not defend its very own right to exist nor assert its rights to have in place its own form of self governing. Was there total tribal discard? Was there no possible means of entreating brother Africans to oppose territorial violations by a people devoid of the rudimentary concepts of civilized behavior? Why were there no mechanisms in place to insure that lines of communication would in place to alert neighboring peoples of external threats? Were our ancestral leaders so blind to the potential for hostile intruders that they could not see the advent of the enslavement of entire continent at its people?Some in academia, notably most are descendants of the defilers, have proffered answers that are awful to envisage or believe such as manifest destiny and congenital superiority of their kind. Some BLACK intellectuals and historians have remained strangely silent regarding that chapter in life while many more have sought to lay blame solely at the feet and hands of the villains.. Yet the question remains, what is an efficient form of government, supposedly with capable leaders, if it fails to protects its citizens? Is the scope of the question so horrid and shameful as to never be asked lest one risk being branded with labels designed to deprive one of ones innate right to ask WHY?A true black leader, Marcus Garvey, once said "A people without a knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots." The meaning is obvious both in the historical and contemporary context: A tree with no roots must fall. Today in the Americas just as then - that time when we were as warriors foraging our native lands for game - we are now foraging in the Americas for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our so-called leaders of today demand that we consign our loyalties to the very sons and daughters of those who perpetrated the greatest crime in the history of mankind. How can sentient black men not ask ourselves exactly what this means to our people? Africans in the Americas have been battling loudly and fruitlessly for well over four hundred years for equality only to be challenged and denied repeatedly by the sons and daughters of the defilers. These villains are ensconced in the hoods and robes of both the right and the left.One does not have to look very far to see Sons of Africa, anxious to proclaim themselves leaders of the race, obediently following the agendas and religious dogmas of both camps and proselytizing those of us, who exhibit independent thoughts, to join as well. From Supreme Court justices to so-called Civil Rights activists and Jihad lovers we are deluged with propaganda offered up to persuade many of us to support their self serving philosophies. Neither extreme countenances independent thought. To espouse independent beliefs is to invitee being labeled an "Uncle Tom", a communist or a radical, depending upon which faction is confronted with questions from those of us who don't genuflect at the alter of their beliefs. Is this merely a tragic replay of the failures of our ancestors? Are we destined to forever be held as pawns in the in the political games of those who wish to lead and misuse us?The historical questions remain to be answered and unless and until those questions are answered we, the Sons of Africa, cannot move forward to achieve our greatest potential. Must we refuse to review and critique the failures of our forefathers so that we may gain insight with which to better judge the fitness of today's leaders? Does the right of man include the right toask questions and demand answers that are relevant to our needs and ambitions? Will we continue to shout down and silence those whose voices and views are different, unique or controversial? Will the lines of communication be open to the potential alarms that certainly must be raised when disaster visits its evil once again upon the Sons of Africa?Before this Son of Africa selects from the minions who would lead, the questions regarding the failures of yesterday must be answered. Clarity of purpose must be brought to the table and all must be welcome to share its bounty but remain free to call into question the menu of items one may choose to select from or we are doomed to forever be second class citizens of the world.


Name: Fal A. Diabate
Email: fal_diabate@ccm.ut.intel.com
Response: Itís important to have a Black history month where we emphasis more on the teaching and achievement of African American . In fact for every person with African ancestry every month and every day of the week should be black history month or black history day.

I have to disagree with the comment written by David (e-mail Althought there is a history of Black people, that history is barely mentioned at the elementary or the high school level. Furthermore, anything you hear or see in the media about Africa , Africans, or African cultures are negative. If it is not war, itís scenes of wild animals living deep in the forest. Seldomly, will one hear or see a localization of something about the African continent. These kinds of reports have been so routinely incorporated in the media that many people (including African Americans) picture Africa as a country. Although you have many countries in Africa that are on a great path of economic development, never, will one see anything about these great achivemments in the media. The negative media about Africa is so intense that many "educated people" will ask ridiculous questions like "do you guys have cars in Africa? Do you have buildings, computers, etc?" These kind of stupid questions put doubts in the minds of many African American chidren to a point where they distance themsleves from Africa and African cultures. They distance themsleves from their roots. Who is going to correct these fallacies about Africa? I think the answer to that question is obvious; itís anybody with an African ancestry. Black history month is one of those media through which African Americans can

1) - recognize the African continent as the mother land.

2) - talk of the history of Africa, kingdoms, resistance to colonialism, etc.

3) - teach the history of Blacks in America (from the brutality of slavery till now.

4) - Talk about achivements of African Americans in America.

5) - talk about how to improve themselves and America.

Although it is true that there is no Jewish month, Irish month, Greek month, etc. as Davis says, it is equally true that Jews have kept their faith and culture. They don't distance themselves from Israel. The Irish for example put more imphasis on St. Patrick day than any other group in America. And I don't think that is by accident.

In conclusion, Black history month is (or should be ) about putting an emphasis on the positive aspects of people of African descents, recognizing and promoting the cultures of Africa, our continent of origin, empowering ourselves culturaly, socially and economically.


Name: Corevia Turner
Email: redeam@umich.edu
Response: This Month I tried to do something as part of my celebration. What I learn was I don't know very much about my own history. I found out that there is so much more the the history of Africans in America than slavery, segregation and poverty. This month I attended talks about the Buffalo soldiers, including the 9th and 10th Calvary and the 24th and 25th infantry and their contributions to the settlement of the west. I learned about the involvement of blacks in the Spanish American War. I attended events outlining the history of music in the African American tradition. I've discovered the wealth of historical information availiable form the perspective of Blacks through the long tradition of Black Media and Press. I have decided to make these same kinds of discoveries everyday. Everyday I will read, listen to, attend, talk about, view, surf something dealing with the history of my people. it's been a great month. i want the learning to continue.


Name: Jesse
Email: jessee@surfnetinc.com
Response: I learned that Black History is intertwined with American History. If the truth be told everytime a child picks up an American History Book the accomplishment of Black people should be included. There would be no American History without Black History. We want Black History included in all cirriculums through out this country.


Name: Tremel
Email: c6techcon@vicenza.af.mil
Response: I have to echo that of another participant...even though I buy every book I can by, for, and about blacks and their experiences, I still have so much history to learn and to cherish. We have such a rich heritage. I just hope we as black people realize that we have to spend more time on learning about our people, thus learning about ourselves. Also we need to enlighten those who don't know (black, white, & otherwise), as well as learn about the contributions of the not so famous, but still outstanding ancestors.


Name: Vivian
Email: tomitomi@aol.com
Response: 1. Racism is still alive in America.
2. Never volunteer for BHM activities at a predominately white school.
3. If you don't agree to "STAY IN YOUR PLACE", the be ready to suffer the consequences.
4. Most white people still think they are superior to black people.
5. Voting on issues of important seldom crosses racial lines.
6. Whites who may want to become your friends are afraid they be labeled "N lovers."
7. Some people still believe lies told about African Americans.
8. Black people can accomplish great things and survive only when they stick together.
9. Black strength is a strong family life.
10. You only live once, so be all that you can be and do what you feel is important because your time is running out!


Name: jprater
Email: jprater@jpusa.pr.mcs.net
Response: Most important lesson? I have learned, and am learning that I personally don't know enough about my true "roots" in the home land AFRICA. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO RESEARCH WHAT AFRICAN CULTURE IS AND WAS REALLY LIKE. HOW DOES THAT REFLECT WHAT AFRO-AMERICANS ARE TODAY? WHAT EFFECTS from SLAVERY ARE AFRO-AMERICANS STILL REELING FROM? WHEN DOES AFRO-AMERICA GET THE "WHITE MONKEY" OF HIS BACK, AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE, FOR HIMSELF AND HIS CHILDREN, AND HIS CHILDRENS CHILLDREN? WHO IS THE AFRICAN AMERICAN? THIS IS WHAT I LEARNED FROM BLACK HISTORY MONTH.


Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: It is important for families to teach our children our own history. If each family would spend at least one day a week discussing where they have come from, what obstacles they have overcome and what successes they have had our children would have a deeper appreciation of our struggles and where they must fit in to advance our race. Too few of our chidlren known or understand the struggles and sacrifices made by our parents, grandparents etc. to get us where we are today. One nice thing about this month is that it makes us aware that we are God's chosen people and that we have a lot to give (and have given a lot) to the United States and the world.


Name: Just Terry
Email: Home01@themall.net
Response: As we journey toward Freedom Black Events show us our progress. Black History Month is a time for the African-American Community to come togetheir as one and celebrate our Achievements against the most oppressive condition in Modern History. It is a time for celebrating, but also serves as a somber reminder of the distance yet to travel. Black History Month gives me an opportunity to asses these two agenda's. It provide me a tool. I believe as our ability to achive unity with each other increases , I will see it be manifested during Event which mark our progression. Currently, for me none, better fit this agenda than Black History Month. It is, "Our National Holiday".That we must do more to ensure our decendants remember their history is apparent in our lack of National Unity during this time. Also observing the quiet energy of another generation, I notice the silent resilience toward the tremendous assault our young men and women have been confronted with, and I cannot help but be filled with pride at their re-affirmmant that our spirit will not be crushed or denied. So again it makes me reflect on how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go.


Name: Myra
Email: Myra2Write@aol.com
Response: While Black History Month has some advantages, it is a shame that African Americans need acceptance from another culture to feel pride, share gifts and talents, study ourselves. It is a shame that because of this 'Black History Month', it is ok to be a black racist--in the sinse that we can wear our American designed African attire. My point is, if we, the most God fearing people, knew that honoring God means honoring ourselves; it means leading ourselves daily, weekly, annually. This includes our past, our present, and our future


Name: David
Email: casemill@erols.com
Response: Black history month is fine. However, It also puts black history in a separate catagory from American history. I think that this seperatism is unhealthy and leads to friction between those that want to be recognized, and the mainstream of people that wonder what the big deal is. So africans were slaves in the past. Those people were slaves from africa. I've met very few africans in my life. I've never met an african who is a slave. If you were born in this country, The United States of America, then you are an AMERICAN! Stop trying to be a different culture. A culture that you are not! Look at the world around you. Where is there war and killing right now? Wherever you find multi- cultrism, you'll find bloodshed. Sure, there are people who look at the color of peoples skin and make a decision about how to accept that person based on just the color of thier skin. But those people are a minority now. If you were born in America, then you are an American. Not a polack, german, irishman, chekozlavakin, englishman, nigerian, arab, isreali, greek, or afro-american. Trying to classify people according to thier ancestors homeland is a sure way to fuel the fire of ethnic dispute, and in the case of dark-skinned people, raceism. That is the only difference between people with african origins, and any other people whose ancestors came to this land from some other land. There is no hispanic history month, jewish history month, greek history month, irish history month, etc... Stop fueling racism by constantly pointing out that you are black and because of it, you should be held up in a different light than any other person in this great country. Remember, your ancestors were african, not you. you are American and be proud of it. You live in a country where no matter where your forefathers came from, YOU have the opportunity to accomplish anything you can imagine, provided you have guts to go after the "brass ring". I know I wish I had the bravery that Jesse Jackson has, or Malcom X, or any other leader and mover. The color of thier skin didn't stop them from succeeding in America. So stop trying to get special treatment based on the color of your skin, and start getting special treatment based on the impact of your brain.


Name: Portia Lacy
Email: cherylwalker@mindspring.com
Response: I learned that the number of African American males going to college was on the rise. Contrary to popular opinion, African American males are still fighting for their rightful place in society. I just wish these statistics could be announced on the 6:00 o'clock news with as much fanfare as the negative stories about African Americans.


Name: Adriene Smith
Email: SmithA@mbia.com
Response: After reading a series of books on "Black/African American History", I've discovered that history is definitely repeating itself. Being parents of four boys ages, 12, 8 and 3(twins), my husband and I are concerned about what their future will hold. However, we continue to provide them with a loving, stable and disciplined environment in hopes that we will be raising four contributions to Black History.


Name: Jaz, Washington, DC, age 23
Email:
Response: There truly have been no one lesson I have learned this month. I have been bombarded with eye-opening incidents that have caused me to recognize the unjustices African Americans still face, though we tend to be benevolent to them. As a whole, we have opinions as to how our people can demand justice but never react on them and in cases when we do react (Million Man March) we are denied our victory. But one should never let this deter us from bringing forth a society where the injustices are not only recognized by all citizens but retribution is awarded generously to all affected parties. It is my sincere hope that our talks are no longer considered cheap and we prevail as the kings and queens we were once revered as.


Name: Nnamdi Nzingha
Email:
Response: How much I don't know about my people.


Name: Bishop
Email: manning8810@asunet.alasu.edu
Response: I found it interesting as a people that the removal of Black History has been discussed in the legislature. Their (opponents) argument stems from the current attitude amongst our people regarding the interest in Black History Month. This disinterest has displayed itself on some college campuses where social groups utilize Black History month to showcase their organization. Some recognizes Black History month after its inception (few weeks later). This attitude can be attributed to its limited time frame. I would hope in the future we continue to celebrate Black history month unconditionally. Black History month should also serve to engage ourselves in solutions to our plight. Black History Month should also serve as a forum to discuss our immediate uplift from the lower socio-economic ladder and achieving unity.


Name: vanessa james
Email:
Response: This country will never recognize the Black American as positvie people,role models, contributors to the U.S. It seems that we try so hard to get others to recognize;but they care not to recognize. It just sickens me how the U.S. is denying racism. OUR PEOPLE MADE THIS COUNTRY ! peace . . .


Name: Sister Nia
Email:
Response: What I have learned during African American / Black History Month is that some of our people are still living in darkness, blind to the value of their lives and the lives of our forefathers and foremothers. We have come a long way and we still have quite a distance to go! Some parents are not instilling in their children the fact that we are a PROUD people and that we deserve and DEMAND respect for our contributions to this society. The lessons highlighted during African American Month need to be continued throughout the year and CELEBRATED and HONORED each and every day. There is no way that the Accomplishments of our people can be touched on in one year let alone one month (especially, the shortest month of the year). So my brothers and sisters...WAKE UP AND CLAIM YOUR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HISTORY AS WELL AS IN THE CURRENT SOCIETY. OUR ANCESTORS HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES SO THAT WE MAY ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THEIR LABOR. THEY DID NOT ENDURE AND SURVIVE THE HELL AND HOLOCAUST OF THE WHITE MANS SLAVERY FOR US TO KILL, RAPE, AND HURT EACH OTHER. MY FAMILY...ALTHOUGH WE ARE STILL BEING HELD BACK...LET US NOT FORGET TO STAND UP. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WE NEED TO DO AND BE !!