Black History

I come from Africa and we don't celebrate Black History Month. The first time I ever heard of Black History Month was when I came to the States in 1996. Why do African Americans celebrate Black History in America and nowhere else? Is it because their roots are in Africa and it is a celebration of how they got here in the first place and what they have overcome in order to be successful. There were/are leaders who keep the African American dream alive. They keep the African American community alive. If they don't, who will? Hence the celebration of Black History Month. Every year my husband takes some of the items from our home to school to show the students what is made in Africa. At work, there are functions that celebrate the diversity of people and their different cultures. Granted, sometimes a whole month is not needed to celebrate some cultures, but because Black History is over 400 years old, there is a lot to celebrate.

Black History was first celebrated as "Negro History Week" since 1926 when it was recognized by Americans. If you look at Africa, there is no Black History month, there is just history. A parallel can be drawn, to a point, between African American slavery and Shaka Zulu, who was one of Africa's great chief's. He was harshly treated as an outcast by his people just as African American slaves were treated harshly by their masters. This fostered a strong people who lived their lives with pride. Many organizations have sprung up from Black History to benefit The People. If you go back to the 1600's, http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmtimeline.html, the timeline will show that there are so many people who contributed to the African American people's freedoms they enjoy today. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909 and led by W. E. B. Du Bois. It is the most influential civil rights organization that is dedicated to political equality and social justice. Does anyone know of a controversial experiment perpetrated against African American men? It was called the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment. How come you don't hear about this now? Why do we have Black History month in February; because we won't hear about it at any other time of year.

In Austin, TX, there are many celebrations on Black History. For instance, The Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce is honoring the City's African American elected officials. The Austin Public Library is screening a series of free movies and special events focusing on the African American current and past experiences. The Huston-Tillotson University is hosting the Fourth Annual President's MASKED Ball to benefit the students in their educational endeavors. There are so many activities taking place in and around Austin that it would be difficult to list them all. Suffice it to say that the African American community works together to keep the forefathers' dreams alive for their people. Unlike Africa, Black History is only celebrated once a year; why not all year?

References:

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html

http://www.carpenoctem.tv/military/shaka.html

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmtimeline.html

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/news/acb_blackhistory07.htm

http://www.htu.edu/

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/blackhistory.htm