“The United States has no use for Black History
Month.” The simple ignorance of this statement justifies the
existence of Black History Month today. Garin Hovannisian’s
misguided column, “Black History Month divides present
world,” (Feb. 11) about Black History Month’s lack of
significance today is inherently wrong. We need this month now more
than ever.
First and foremost, Hovannisian is off base in arguing that
because racism is widely condemned today, this commemorative month
is no longer needed. Racism still exists, whether people choose to
condemn it or not.
Hovannisian states, “In the United States, different races
no longer experience significantly different treatment. Hence, the
history of the American people can no longer be studied through
race.” Whether we are all treated equally or not, it is
always important to learn about the history of a race and the
history of racism in general.
However, today there really is no universal equality, making it
more important for us to understand the history of blacks and other
races to eradicate negative stereotypes. As long as women continue
to hold their purses tightly when black men walk by, or Muslim men
are eyed on a bus because people worry they may be terrorists, we
must continue to study history through race.
Racism may not be as overt today as it was in the 1960s, but it
exists nevertheless. Spending one month focusing on the positive
contributions of the black community is a step toward ending
negative stereotypes. Additionally, this emphasis motivates blacks
to strive for more, in contrast to society’s expectations of
their future as convicts or drug addicts.
Hovannisian also erroneously states that “no one
cares” about who created the first clock in North America.
How can one person speak for everyone else? This argument lacks a
solid foundation. Personally, I found that piece of information
interesting. I also found it fascinating that the first open heart
surgery was performed by Daniel Hale Williams, a black surgeon, and
the first traffic light was created by Garrett A. Morgan, another
black man.
Black history is more than slavery and Booker T. Washington
(and) Jackie Robinson. It is about W.E.B. DuBois, Ralph Bunche and
the great African empires of the past. It is ignorant to believe
once everyone has heard of Martin Luther King and Kofi Annan, Black
History Month is no longer necessary. Black history goes further
back in time and consists of countless others who have made great
achievements. As long as people like Hovannisian are not aware of
this fact, Black History Month is as important today as it was 30
years ago.
Moreover, Hovannisian’s statement that “today, Black
History Month is divisive, dangerous and simply
anti-American” is unfounded. Black History Month is meant to
bring together people of all races to better understand the rich
history and culture of blacks. The month poses no threat to the
nation. Violence is no more prevalent during this month than any
other. Annual race riots are not scheduled for Black History
Month.
Most importantly, this commemorative month is as American as
apple pie, football or hamburgers. This nation was founded by
different religious groups that came to America seeking security
from persecution in Europe. The founding fathers wanted a place
where different cultures, religions and ideas could flourish and
peacefully coexist ““ this is why they created the First
Amendment.
To say we must not celebrate our diversity is wrong. Diversity
created this nation; it sustains it and it is what makes this
nation unique. I will never give up the qualities that make me
unique, from my hair to my skin color to the birthmark on my foot.
I am African American, and I will continue to celebrate my culture
and history.
Tsega is a second-year physiological science
student.