Is Black History Month still relevant?

I woke up on Super Tuesday feeling abreast of all of the political issues and convinced that my candidate was validated enough for me. As my alarm went off I became excited. I began my morning routine, though a bit earlier, then I set off to vote.

I'll have to admit, I was nervous. This was my first time voting for any presidential candidate, and two years ago I never thought I would have the option of voting for someone who is truly black, and not just an honorary member of some black community.
 
When I approached the voting booth I realized something. I realized I wouldn't be here if I had tried to vote 50 years earlier.  I also realized that not only was it Super Tuesday, it was also the fifth day of Black History Month. Only five days in and I didn't see any flag poles that bared red, black, and green. Unlike Independence Day or Presidents' Day, I didn't find too much proof that our existence as black or African American is even relevant in America. I wondered if children knew what a glorious time this is for America?
 
Yeah, the economy is near bust but it's Black History Month, so let's celebrate right? We are finally living the dreams of our ancestors and the blood that pumps through our veins can rest -- but only for now.
 
Black History Month is more than just a month filled with forums and television programs dedicated to the civil rights movement. To me, it symbolizes something bigger than that. I am descended from African slaves, 1920s Harlem jazz singers, right-fisted Black Panthers, and many more people that aren't even acknowledged.  Black History Month should be the time to recognize the past and contemplate the future of all black contributions.
 
Later in the day on Super Tuesday, I walked into a Barnes and Nobles, just off the "Magnificent Mile," and I saw a black shadow. It was a section that read: CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH. The section looked exciting from a distance but as I approached the shelves I realized they displayed the typical array of books from Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X,( I circled the shelf) more King, an Oprah book, and more books by the same people. 
 
I was tempted to ask who put the display together and I was willing to suggest some authors. I wondered about W.E.B Dubois, Bayard Rustin, Alice Walker, Richard Bruce Nugent, Thomas Glave, and a host of other influential people that represented the many facets of  black communities.
 
I decided not to make any suggestions to the store. Perhaps, it was because I didn't think Barnes and Noble would change too many people's outlook on Black History Month. Personally, I think it is important for everyone's history to be acknowledged. But now I am worried about the fate of my own. 
 
This month, in addition to my usual "Hey" or "Hello," I have taken to saying "oh Happy Black History Month" with my greetings.  Most people chuckle, simply say it back or just ignore the statement altogether. I asked a young lady why she laughed when I said it, and she replied " I knew you would be the one to say that everyday." "Why?" I asked. "Well, because you're eccentric." and she walked away. I was pretty puzzled. It further underscored my concern about our view of blackness in history. I guess recognizing black history on a daily basis is rather peculiar to some people.
 
Odd or not, I continue to be conscious about the history of blackness and I hope this history takes on a more prominent role in the future. As I voted for all of Barack Obama's delegates I smiled with pride.  I realized that the struggles of the past are finally tangible for young and old people. Although Black History Month isn't taken as seriously as I would like, the success of Barack Obama's presidential campaign shows we are making progress as a people.