Black History Month is in full swing, for better or worse. In a way, the fact that we have Black History Month points to a failure in how we teach and learn history. If our curriculum was truly inclusive, we would not need Black History Month, or any group of the month for that matter.
Clearly, it is time to reexamine the way we teach history. It is time to move beyond heroes and holidays, beyond taco Tuesdays. While celebrations are a positive and necessary part of honoring any group, they do not go far enough. Developing an understanding and appreciation of a population’s experiences, perspectives, and contributions require much, much more time, work, and commitment.
A few questions concerning Black History Month are in order:
- Does Black History Month focus too much on the major movers and shakers? Sociologists would suggest that we would learn more about black history, and the history of all people, by examining the lives and stories of everyday, ordinary people and events.
- Does Black History Month segregate the contributions of Blacks? Are the experiences of African Americans incorporated into a course like American history throughout the year? As the editor-in-chief of a local high school newspaper says, “If the school system treats African-American history as a separate theme then students will also and perhaps subconsciously understand black history as something to be learned once a year instead of everyday.”
- Does Black History Month create misperceptions? We might think that Black History Month is only for Blacks. Some black students for example, resent the idea that Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month are seen by many as their celebrations, and are not just as important for whites and other racial and ethnic groups. Moreover, they may resent the fact that they are often pressured to be a spokesperson or the “expert” for their race during this time of year.
- Does Black History Month feed stereotypes? To some, once Black History Month is over, there is this feeling that we did it, we understand what it’s all about, and now it is time to move on. Or instead of celebrating numerous black experiences, we celebrate the black experience, whatever that is. Instead of countering stereotypes, the “group of the month” approach feeds stereotypes.
- Does Black History Month make us less appreciative of the many ways in which we are alike? Acclaimed poet and writer Maya Angelou makes the point that we are more alike than we are different. Or as former President John Kennedy said, “We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”