Friday, February 27, 1998
Black history now
Origins of commemoration harbinger of celebrating cultural
achievements
By Rachel Munoz
Daily Bruin Staff
During a time when an African American was lynched every two and
a half days, one man strived to change the perceptions of these so-
called non-citizens and fractions of humans.
That man was Carter Goodwin Woodson, a lifetime devotee to the
awareness of African-American achievements, whose contributions are
still being celebrated today.
What is sometimes considered Woodson’s greatest achievement is
now known as Black History Month, originally Negro History Week.
The week was first developed in 1926 to commemorate
African-American history. For more than 70 years African Americans
across the nation have continued to celebrate their history and
progression during this month, but not without current issues
threatening the continuation of Black History Month.
After receiving a doctorate from Harvard, Woodson decided to
abandon mainstream academia to focus his attention on the
scientific study of the African experience in America. In 1915,
Woodson began African-American awareness by founding the
Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as
the Study of Afro-American Life and History.
In 1926, 11 years later, came the start of Negro History Week,
which would eventually transform into Black History Month in the
’60s.
"Negro History Week was launched on a serious platform in 1926
to neutralize the apparent ignorance and deliberate distortion of
black history," writes Yaw Boateng, a professor of education at
Eastern Washington University, in the January 1995 edition of the
Ghana Review. In order to bring a balance to the African-Americans’
place in American and world history, Negro History Week sparked
meetings, exhibitions, lectures and symposia.
Woodson is attributed as the Father of Black History, but
Frederick Douglass was also instrumental in the progression of
African Americans in our country.
Douglas, 57 years Woodson’s senior, fought against segregation
and spoke with President Abraham Lincoln about the problems of
slavery. In 1845, after publishing his autobiography, Douglass left
for England for fear his identity as a runaway slave would be
discovered. After returning to the United States two years later,
Douglass founded an anti-slavery newspaper and led a successful
attack against segregated schools.
Coincidentally, Douglass’ birthday falls in February, a month
that also includes the anniversary of the oath of office taken by
the first African-American senator, Hiram Revels.
Although Negro History Week has blossomed over seven decades
into Black History Month, the meaning behind the celebration hasn’t
seemed to change for some.
"It is necessary to use the occasion to examine the collective
ingenuity, creativity, cultural and political experience of the
masses of Africans and peoples of African descent," Boateng
wrote.
But one UCLA history professor doesn’t believe that African
Americans are as interested in the month as Boateng believes.
"There is kind of crossroads that has been reached," said Robert
Hill, a professor of African-American History at UCLA. "African
Americans are now not as enthusiastic about the day … There is
some kind of condescension."’
In his 21 years at UCLA, Hill has witnessed a severe decline in
interest in events on campus that celebrate the month. He once
enjoyed listening to and exchanging views with people who visited
the campus, but no longer experiences such events.
"(Black History Month) seems not to bring the same kind of
motivation," he said. "The process of cultural assimilation is
working."
Hill suggests that possibly the African-American community here
at UCLA doesn’t feel that this is a hospitable climate for the
expression of African-American issues. He also sees that, as a
school, UCLA’s lack of interest for the month is partly
responsible.
Students are also aware of the lack of events on campus.
"It’s not as celebratory as it once was," said Tau Flagg, a
fourth-year English student. "It’s not being emphasized to youth,
and without them embracing it, it is going to be forgotten."
But Flagg believes that although there appears to be a lack of
celebration, that should change. Outside of Martin Luther King
Jr.’s birthday, this seems to be the only time that there is a
focus on African Americans. He feels the month should not only be
emphasized more, but fully utilized.
His younger sister has also felt the lack of events at UCLA
during February. "As a freshman, I was extremely disappointed at
the lack of celebration," said Nina Flagg, a first-year undeclared
student. "I thought there would be a lot of programs, and other
freshmen have noticed as well."
But despite the complaints that events are not occurring on
campus, UCLA has hosted events throughout February to celebrate
Black History Month. There is currently an art exhibit in Kerckhoff
Hall honoring Paul Robeson, an African-American entertainer who
sang, danced and wrote. Robeson originated a role in "Show
Boat"
On the 10th of February, Roni the "Free Flowin’" Poetri Queen
performed for an audience in celebration of Black History Month.
During the same week, two speakers on the Pan-African movement
stressed the role that African people have played in world
civilization and how struggles of African people worldwide are
connected.
Perhaps the lack of publicity is the problem, not a lack of
events.
Critics of the month itself believe that people only pay
attention to African-American history during the month of February,
and for the rest of the year it is forgotten. Many African-American
critics and students alike believe that this is true.
"It is the whole attitude of just recognizing a month when it
should be recognized during a whole year," Holmes said. "When it
started, it started for progressive reasons. For African Americans
in general, a month is not enough time to celebrate this
progress."
Some don’t see a promising future for the month if it continues
in its current condition.
"I don’t think it can go on in this desultory action," Hill
said. "There might not even be a need for a Black History
Month."
Without the same anticipation and participation on behalf of the
students, he feels that the future of this celebration is
ambiguous.
But Flagg would like to see Black History Month remain. "There
is definitely a need to signify accomplishments as a people," he
said.
His younger sister Nina feels that committees should be formed
now to commemorate next February. She emphasizes that action should
start this year, instead of waiting until the last minute next
year.