Two days after the end of Black History Month the question is: Why have Black History Month?
During February, I highlighted current African Americans who are making achievements in all areas of life – sports, academics, public service. I had one comment from a good friend, who stated – “Achievement is not about color.” The underlying comment was there should be no distinction between color, gender, or ethnicity when we discuss achievements. I agree, but with one caveat, if your child came home and got all A’s would you not celebrate your child’s achievement to encourage them to continue to make all A’s.
The purpose of Black History month, in my opinion, is to highlight to other African Americans the outstanding accomplishments of people of color. As an American citizen, I am proud to be part of this great nation. As an African American male, I recognize there are many who still do not know all the outstanding contributions that blacks have contributed to America.
This includes me.
During Black History month, I learned about Ralph Bunch. Bunche earned his stripes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when he became the key mediator of the conflict after the original United Nations negotiator was assassinated. Bunche secured a truce between the countries in 1949 and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his effort. He dedicated the rest of his life to the United Nations, calling it the greatest peace effort in history.
I learned this from a Black History month documentary. Would I have learned this if there had not been a focus on African American achievement during the month of February?
Maybe, maybe not.
I hope we continue Black History month and it causes America to highlight everyone’s achievement regardless of color, gender, or ethnicity everyday.
By the way, my three sons made outstanding grades last month and were on the honor roll. They are African American males.
I wanted to highlight them- even though it is March 2.
During February, I highlighted current African Americans who are making achievements in all areas of life – sports, academics, public service. I had one comment from a good friend, who stated – “Achievement is not about color.” The underlying comment was there should be no distinction between color, gender, or ethnicity when we discuss achievements. I agree, but with one caveat, if your child came home and got all A’s would you not celebrate your child’s achievement to encourage them to continue to make all A’s.
The purpose of Black History month, in my opinion, is to highlight to other African Americans the outstanding accomplishments of people of color. As an American citizen, I am proud to be part of this great nation. As an African American male, I recognize there are many who still do not know all the outstanding contributions that blacks have contributed to America.
This includes me.
During Black History month, I learned about Ralph Bunch. Bunche earned his stripes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when he became the key mediator of the conflict after the original United Nations negotiator was assassinated. Bunche secured a truce between the countries in 1949 and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his effort. He dedicated the rest of his life to the United Nations, calling it the greatest peace effort in history.
I learned this from a Black History month documentary. Would I have learned this if there had not been a focus on African American achievement during the month of February?
Maybe, maybe not.
I hope we continue Black History month and it causes America to highlight everyone’s achievement regardless of color, gender, or ethnicity everyday.
By the way, my three sons made outstanding grades last month and were on the honor roll. They are African American males.
I wanted to highlight them- even though it is March 2.
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