Since 1976, February has been known as Black History Month. This month is used to spotlight all of the courageous Black heroes, inventors, artists, intellectuals, activists and more who helped advance our society as a whole. It signifies the leaps and bounds we have overcome as a country and as a society. While it gives us a chance to look back to see how much we have grown, it also lets us look forward to see how we must grow further.
The majority of the curriculum overlooks Black inventors, scientists, mathematicians, artists, poets and philosophers — not because they aren’t important, but because those who make the curriculum simply don’t deem them significant. This causes students to simply not know, understand or show an appreciation of Black History. By minimizing Black History to February, or shrinking down and stretching thin history, the message students receive is that Black History is not, and never will be, as important as the “regular” curriculum. Although February gives an opportunity for teachers to give a so-called “spotlight” to Black pioneers, it also only provides a snapshot of learning and gives students the idea that it does not deserve a true place in school curriculum. When we do see Black History covered in school, it is often limited to advanced classes. When it is part of the core curriculum, like in “To Kill a mockingbird” it puts emphasis on struggle or victimization rather than success.
It is important to remember that Black History is American History and that there is history in every subject. According to National Geographic, U.S. President Gerald Ford created Black History Month to “Honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Now here we are 49 years later and it seems we have not made adequate progress.
There are many Black figures that contributed to advancement in society that need to be included in all school subjects, all school year long. Let’s make sure we take advantage and celebrate those unsung heroes, to make sure that this large part of history, art and science is never forgotten. There are many other ways to learn outside of the school curriculum. There are many websites to learn about the Black figures that have made significant progress in fields that are not in the curriculum. There may even be Black figures that have made progress in fields that you are personally interested in like law, psychology, economics, political science and aviation. By learning about historical Black figures in your field, it would not only enhance your knowledge of Black history but it may also enhance your interest in your field of study. There are also museums and historical places in metro Detroit to learn about Black history. Places such as the Henry Ford Museum, the DIA and the Charles H. Wright Museums are always fun and educational places to visit to expand your knowledge all year round.
