Black history month has finally made its way back around the calendar to inspire celebration and remembrance of the African American men who fought for equalitys. In this time of a second inaugural year for President Barack Obama, African American history has added yet another momentous occasion to an already encouraging past.
The campus library hallway has an organized display of African American books documenting people and events for passersby to admire and posters of African American civil rights pioneers can be seen sprinkled across campus on various windows and doors. Despite the library displays, some students feel that Black History Month has not been celebrated or properly recognized on campus.
According to Elijah Mays, an African American student at LMC, “They don’t really celebrate as they should. They don’t have events, conferences, and workshops for young black men and women. Black history month means freedom, power, love, and respect.”
George Mills, an LMC staff member, added, “The responsibility to celebrate black history month falls on black people. This is the time for a true celebration and I don’t see a true celebration.
From abolitionist leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth to civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. and the charismatic Malcolm X, African Americans have helped to pave a path of equal status for all citizens.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, people rallied and protested for causes such as integration and equality, contributions in history that have helped to reshape the idea of American liberty. As Mills explained, “Black history month is a celebration of the strength of the African people and their continued endurance
According to Mexican American LMC student Anthony Anaya, “Black history month means pride in African American culture and roots. I wish we had a Mexican American history month to remember what we’ve been through.”
After a brief reflection, Anaya continued, “We’ve all come a long way just to be here. It’s important to know where you come from.”
Enthusiasm about African American history being part of the normal curriculum, as opposed to one month in the year was also a strong point for Elijah Mays who stated, “Everyday, everyone should learn something new about African American culture.” This was not a new idea for George Mills who professed proudly, “I’m one of those people who believe that black history is every day. I appreciate that there is black history month, but, because it is only one month it should be overemphasized.”
Mills continued to say that he also agrees that black history is a subject that should be shared by all people.
“The nature of American society has put black people and every other ethnic group in pockets. So when you start to celebrate in pockets, there is no greater appreciation for it (black history month) because there is nothing holistic. You’re not touching everybody with that,” said Mills.
African Americans continue to assimilate into this nation. And although black history month is a celebration of African American culture and strength, Mills suggests a proposal to the LMC community asserting, “I want to keep on encouraging people to try to find out a little about who you are, that way you can figure out where you’re going. We need to learn how to celebrate.”
