Black History Month is here to stay

Interesting read. Although, why do you consider Obama and Tiger Woods to be Black? They are just as much White and Asian as they are Black? I never understood this.

@ Joe: We all know that Tiger Woods is Caublanasian (or whatever), but I read Tucker's article, and she includes Woods in her troubling analysis. And aren't most Black folk mixed with something...

Joe din't say Tiger Woods was not in her article as a matter of fact she mentions him twice.I agree with Joe. Aren't must white people mixed with something as well?

It all boils doen to the youngest generations vs older generations. Enough is enough says the older generation. Why have a racist month says the younger generation. Mainly we, the American public, am really really tired of pushing the black agenda. Get over it already!!! I think a good analogy is Jewish PR and Black PR. I am so sick of hearing about the Holocaust! I know it happened! Now I am tired of hearing young blacks complain about unjust treatment. Only older generation blacks have the right to complain, and complain they should. I am white and I witnessed the Selma march and the white cops spray blacks and the dogs let loose on them. They have a right to complain. The younger generation - just shut up!!! You have no idea what persecution is about!!! I am Catholic and have amilitary background. I was persecuted in the old south by the KKK for my religion. If you cannot talk the walk then just shut up!!!

This article is not about Obama or Tiger Woods. It is bigger than them! It seems to me that it is about Black cultural preservation. Well said!!

@ Donald: It sounds like you have some unresolved issues. It also souunds like you could use some anger management. Just take a breath...

Do we really have to have the "Obama is not Black" discussion again? Give it a rest!

I find it difficult to honour someone based on his or her color its against Dr Kings philosophy He didn't say he had a dream that blacks would get handouts He wanted us equal ,the times have changed no more excuses no one is held back because of his color that's a load,ones responseablity is to be be self sufficent and as stated by others BO and Tiger aren't urban warriors and they arent were they are because they sat on their caboose sorry but I just am not ever going to go there what ever happened to just being an American first

Donald, since you are white, I wonder how you were able to ascertain what and where our divide is? Your post makes the first time that the argument over black history month and it's relevance is relegated to a generational matter. While you can tire of hearing discussion, I don't believe you are the appropriate person to talk about what older vs. younger blacks need to do. I am younger and they must not have included the chapter on the KKK's religious persecution of Catholics who were hung, tarred, and feathered from the strong limb of an oak tree. If you've walked that walk, my apologies.

Robert, Martin knew he was black when he woke up as well as when he died. Well after our deaths, America may exhibit the utopia you wish. However based on the your thoughts of blacks wanting a handout and the use of BO and Tiger (who happen to be black) as an example of what other "Americans" (who happen to be black) need to do, we aren't getting to the higher place any time soon.

I heard Walmart is having a Black History Month sale

Hi Dr. Reed, BLESSINGS!

I agree with you on this article 100%

Also, because I am sort of a regular around here, I don't think that Keith Boykin will mind me saying for anyone who might be interested...

ATLANTIC LIBRARY DIGITAL has just published my very controversial essay "THE AUTHENTIC BLACK MAN" on Kindle and Mobipocket for Black History month. At Mobipocket they allow you to download a FREE E-READER to read their books on, so it's free.

My new poem "GOD'S HAIR (The Barack Obama Poem)" has also become an unexpected bestseller in a collection with 10 other poems under the title "GOD'S HAIR". My books have always been published as regular Hardcover/Paperbacks, but now they're starting to put them in digital e-book editions.

I hope that African-Americans will continue to celebrate BLACK HISTORY MONTH and that they will also forge a bond with African artists/writers/critical thinkers and BI-AFRICANS like myself (born African Muslim in Sudan but adopted and raised by Black Americans and no longer Muslim)....as we need to DEEPEN Black Americans's understanding of "Blackness" and their HISTORY--a history that began LONG BEFORE SLAVERY OR BEING HIT BY PLYMOUTH ROCK...and truly, I am glad that "THE AUTHENTIC BLACK MAN" and "GOD'S HAIR" are now available for Black History Month...no matter how controversial many people, BLACK & WHITE, seem to find those writings.

It certainly is time for Black Children to learn about "God's Hair" instead of "GOOD HAIR." One of the principals of the CUSHITIC religion is that our CROWN/THE PROOF was put on the Black Man and Black Woman's heads to PROVE that they were the ones made first and in GOD'S IMAGE, and that they, the original Hebrews were given "GOD'S HAIR" (THE PROOF) to them "set apart" from all other races as being the ones "CROWNED."

If we can go hundreds of years knowing the PLANTATION RACISM of so called "GOOD HAIR"---then why can't we also know the flip side the story? The Black people's story?

Prof. Yaa, don't become frustrated with their subjective propaganda, only because, it just allows you to write another one of your many excellent rebuttals. Remember, true intellectual discourse always calls on the science of dialectical engagement. It's in the testing of our ideas that we develop the intellectual appitite and appreciation for learning and sharing more information; and during the exchanges, knowledge is pragmatically produce. Typically, most deep thinkers are by nature raconteurs and interlocutors. So continue sharing...

Why do many prominent African Americans, and right-wing ideologues like Ann Coulter, consistently feel the need to decry anything that attempts to glorify the accomplishments--or the very survival, even-- of Black people in America? Because you're not always glorifying the accomplishments based on their content, but based on the color of the skin of those who have accomplished. Some feel that's racist.

No one says one word when Jewish Americans or others remind us of what they have accomplished or suffered. It is my opinion that the greatest wrong that we suffered was and still is physiological enslavement so, yes we need this month or any other moment to remind us and any one else of our achievements. Some of our young don't even know who some of the names that are mentioned not mention their accomplishments.

I'm a Nationalist, and as a Nationalist I'm branded racist, fascist or even a support of the most evil men in History. Reading this article, I too wonder about her Character. I know, she would call me a racist, when she doesn't even know me. Anyway... Its not easy to discuss as there is a whole line of problems. However... stick to the topic, why the hell are we having all this crap anyway? Why don't you all just have American Month! American Achievements! America's future! Why on earth!!!! are you all segregating yourselves!!! What about White Month? or White Achievements? or White Ancestry!!! I think you know what will happen with that one above. Anyway, I've made my point.

Candidly speaking, the need for a black history month would not exist if the American halls of academe did not use systematic exploitation (past and present) to minimize exposure to African-American history. The city school systems, colleges, universities, and the media are by-products of Eurocentric educational philosophies. These systems were designed to teach African Americans to learn, believe, and accept European values, traditions, and habits, while at the same time promoting minimal integration of Black culture. One cannot be whole without knowing who they are and as the following video so indicates there are many African Americans who are at lost as to who they are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP2U0jmZjec

Africans and African descended communities do not need the permission of others to celebrate nor practice their histories, cultures or achievements. Carter G. Woodson's original purpose for "Negro History Week" (later evolved into Black History Month) was to create intellectual space for teachers, parents and students to demonstrate what they had learned all year about African Americans. While Woodson's initial purpose may be obscured by commercial and institutional rituals, what is important about this annual celebration is its reminder to the unconscious American mind about how the United States emerged into what some may call a great nation. The blood, sweat and tears of the enslaved Africans and the struggles of their daughters and sons (not to exclude that the land was stolen from the indigenous people,not only created new rivers and paths for immigrants around the world, but also educational, political and social rights their children enjoy today. The contemporary question for me is not the value of Black History Month, but "why are we still celebrating Christopher Columbus Day?"

Dr. Reed. Well said and really sad. How convenient it is for many to think now that bi racial African Americans may now claim their non Black heritage. Sounds a bit like changing the rules to suit the majority class. Black History Lives!

FIRST OF ALL we are all AMERICANS FIRST.. What pisses me off as a white person in this country is the fact that I had something to do with slavery. My parents came here on a boat during the 50's and because I am white I am made to pay for this countries terrible past. ITS PATHETIC.. IT IS TIME FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY IN THIS COUNTRY TO STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM AND STEP UP AND BE PROUD TO BE BLACK. The Democratic Party are the ones that continue to label everything in our society and the black community embraces them like a bunch of drunk sailors. ITS PATHETIC. The Republican party has done more for the black community than anything the Democrats have done. The first civil rights bill was created by a Republican. Lincoln and the Republicans are the ones that wanted to end slavery before the Civil War. The racist south was run by the Democratic Party. John F Kennedy tried to prevent the Dr. King speech from taking place by closing down liqueur stores to prevent blacks from coming out to see him. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO SAY? The black community has become the prey of the Democrat Party and they wont open their eyes. They continue to keep the black community demoralized and destabilized and PISSED OFF so they cant make any strives forward. IT IS SAD TO WATCH.. They even have black leaders in their back pockets, who are willing to strike fear in the black community whenever they snap their fingers. ITS PATHETIC.. ITS TIME FOR ALL OF US TO STAND TOGETHER AS ONE AND PUT THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN ASIDE. DR. KING WANTED US TO LIVE TOGETHER AS ONE. TO LOOK AT EACH OTHER AS BROTHER AND SISTERS. WE NEED TO STOP LABELING EACH OTHER AND START LOOKING AT EACH OTHER AS PEOPLE NOT RACES!! ITS TIME TO STOP SEGREGATING OURSELVES INTO GROUPS. HOW ARE WE EVER GOING TO LIVE TOGETHER AS ONE IF WE DIVIDE OURSELVES INTO GROUPS LIKE THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCASUS? DEMANDING THAT THE BLACK COMMUNITY HAS ANY TYPE OF SEPARATION DOESN'T BRING US TOGETHER, IT TEARS US APART. IT IS TIME THAT WE ALL START LOOKING AT EACH OTHER AS ONE AND NOT AS DIFFERENT. STOP POINTING OUT OUR DIFFERENCES AND POINT OUT SIMILARITIES.

Dear Xenunus,culturally people should not pretend to be the same unless or until they are the same, in which case there's no pretence. And one of the ways to reach out or even be respectful of one another is to acknowledge and appreciate how far apart you have come. To talk about the past is not and should not be to live in the past but to avoid it. Anyone who has 'survived' an acrimonious divorce will let you know that it was only when they could honestly and respectfully talk about their past with their former partner that they both truly healed!

As a white person today, who loves and respects all people equally, you cannot have any guilt about what other white people did a 100 years ago (or are doing now). You can only look and say 'what a bunch of idiots', and stop them when in your powers. And of course there will also be black people who will try and blackmail you about the past and the present. Because racism was not created by white people. But you'll only respond to such blackmail negatively only if it is reflecting something already inside you. Otherwise, as Maya Angelo says: 'You are never in it'. It's their problem and you have a clear conscience. And right here, I am convinced Dr Reed is not blackmailing your guilt. I'd say one step at a time: reach out and try inviting your black friends to your Jewish celebrations (in case you are jewish) and then reciprocate by attending and learning from their black celebrations. I think that's what King meant we must do.

No one is requesting the end of any other established day, week or month for any other ethnicity or race...and many have been conferred by past Presidents....so why the bruhaha about Black History Month?? Do not let dumbazz white folks or dumbazz black folks fool you into believing this is an actual argument to be debated in the first place. You can't "end" the recognition of the month by anyone anymore than you can "end" acknowledging St. Patrick's Day. Anyone with a problem over Black History Month can catch fire.

Xinunus, if there was an ounce of sincerity in your rant I would somewhat I agree with you. But it's not.

Here's some advice from from an African American to a Caucasian, the next time you really want to voice your supposed concern about African Americans, you may want to watch how you frame the discussion. We don't need you to tell us what King did, think, or hoped no more than you need us to tell you what your parents endured on whatever boat they were in.

This conversation was about Black History Month and unless you can pinpoint who has played victim in this discussion, it becomes clear that you have some deep-seated "issue" (not concerns) that you should try to deal with.

It took this America over 200 years to elect an American (who happens to be african american) president. So please sit down somewhere or bunjee jump without a cord. Better yet, go troll 'white' websites and tell them to stop allowing Hannity, Coulter, Palin, David Duke and others to represent their America.

As an aside, one of the reasons historians noted that Lincoln abolished slavery was due to how unfair the system was to white Americans who couldn't afford them.

Fascinating colloquy...

We use to have Negro History Week in the school system back in the fifties and now we have Black History Month. If it wasn't for those designated times to celebrate our history, we might never see our accomplishments at any other time. So, those of you who don't agree that's o.k. Now, just leave the rest of us who want to celebrate our history alone. I love black history always, but a month of recognition will never make up for the years of sufferings. Again, if you don't like it mind your business and leave the rest of us alone.

This is quite interesting. There is no "pure breed" ethnic group. Each of our blood shares chemistry with another. A blood transfusion is not based on ethnicity. There is beauty, positive characteristics, and immeasurable gifts in all peoples and each should have a time set aside to acknowledge, recognize, and educate others of those contributions and distinctions. God's will is not arbitrary. Be it a person or a people, there is a spiritual reason for what one would consider a life of struggle or a life of ease. In a perfect world, the need to set aside a month to observe/honor the accomplishments of a particular ethnic group/people would be a moot point. However, at this time we do not live in a perfect world.

Why are African Americans the only people who feel the need to explain their existence? I will restate the two most important statements in my initial response to this issue. "Africans and African descended communities do not need the permission of others to celebrate and practice their histories, cultures, and achievements." "The blood, sweat and tears of the enslaved Africans and the struggles of their daughters and sons (not to exclude that the land was stolen from the indigenous people), not only created new rivers and paths for immigrants around the world, but also created educational, political and social rights they {immigrants} and their children enjoy today." We should spend less energy responding to the misunderstandings of others, and spend time using our greatness to rebuild our communities and teach our children, so they will not have to address this issue in the next generation. Allow those who call themselves our allies (non-African Americans) to teach their children.

Well, in Philadelphia, the school board has not listed Black History Month or any other special month on its calendar ever since some people and concerned citizens protested their listing GLBT Month on the calendar in October 2007. Essence I like what you have said. We must convince our community organizations and churches to institute teaching black history to our people every day/week/month in the year.

There is a famous poem called "I'm not Giving my Black Back." Cynthia Tucker needs to look it up. And give it up! Most Black folks are not TRYING to hear this blather. Because we recognize and celebrate our Blackness does not mean that we have to get behind anyone! The naysayers need to just get over it cause we ain't givin' up Black History! And we are no less American, and our accomplishments no less worthy of study for the remainder of the year because of that fact! What next?

Greetings, All. I repatriated to Ghana in Aug. 2000, and I am the Secretary of the African-American Association of Ghana, there. We are discontinuing with the Black History Month concept, because we recognize the need to educate the community on the achievements and accomplishments of Africans from around the world, every chance we can get. So we have elevated it to the African Heritage Series, in which we make presentations all year long.

I had to come here and read this for myself. A co-worker told us about this discussion. Unbelievable!!!! How the hell do those of you who believe that Anyone's history being taught or shared is outdated and irrelevant!!! For the white people who believes this. You did not create, sustained or developed Black History Month....so you have no say so in this at all. Most likely anytime you did anything with it, you did it half heartedly and was glad when it was over. Anything regarding Black History month will be the decision of the people who this remembrance was created by and for. We should all be thankful that it exist. Because of it, space was created for other marginalized groups to do the same. I welcome all of it, I was tired of the same old white history and culture dominating everything and everywhere. White history and culture is everywhere, is is so normalize that many of you are unconscious of how pervasive it is, and how oppressive it often feels to non-whites. I know many of you believe we now live in a post-racial America and world since the election of Prez Obama. Sorry for your continued state of denial and for the victims of on-going racism. Black history month, nor Black people and their culture will not go out of existence so that White people can continue to avoid the past, feel comfortable and not deal with the on-going legacy of racism and other forms of social injustices and white privilege. I teach Black history every day, there is too much information to squeeze into 28 days. My students love it, their parents love it and many often come and borrow books and other materials. I teach majority African American students and they know more about Jewish history then their own. Even without a Jewish history month. Why & how?....easy, Numerous movies, television shows regarding the Jewish Holocaust and many Jewish teachers sharing their personal history. they do this without a month, and it has been very effective. They have the social and financial capital to ensure their history is told and shared. African Americans on the other hand are hard press and there are very few movies and television series on their history. Other then for February. They have a hard time getting the finances needed or a studio who would want to make these kinds of movies. The few that are made, are done so on shoe string budgets and credit cards. Unless someone like Steven Spielberg does it like Amistad. Which really focused more on the white "Saviors"then the enslaved Africans. The same for the movie about the life of Steve Biko, it focused more on the white Journalist. Even when well meaning white people make a movie, allegedly about a Black person or incident. there is often glaring racial contradictions in the story telling. I know other Teachers who try and do what I do regularly of infusing African History into daily lessons. They are penalize by their Principals and other school administrators In closing, those white people and the Blacks who want this to go away should spend more of your time and thinking correcting all of the lies and distortions that have been taught in Euro-American history. Leave Black History alone.

We were excluded from the history books and continue to be excluded, is the initial reason for "Black History Week and later month" therefore we must continue to attempt to get the truth known. African-Americans should consider "Global Africans" because archaeologist and scientist have proven the all humans originated in Africa. Africa is the origin of all of Humankind. The mitochondrial DNA proves that all humans alive today are 99.9% the same. The Y- chromosomes reveals the same information. Reference: National Geographic Magazine March 2006. African-Americans need to be taught that it was the Africans who left Africa who migrated all over the globe. Our ancestors left evidence every where they went. Africans also brought civilization to all of the globe. We are only taught "Western Civilization" which begins about 1500 AD. Written history began 3200 B.C. by a Pharaoh name Narmer. We must learn the truth about humanity and civilization. This global is filled with the Africans blood, sweat, tears, bodies and bones for us to give up now. There was a time when "BLACK MEN AND WOMEN RULED THE WORLD" and it has not been that long ago. What happen to the Africans? They taught the Europeans who to speak, to read, to write, and how to make gunpowder and shoot a gun and they had the germs. They repaid us with slavery and colonization see"Scramble for Africa" not only African but all over the globe. The Europeans were in a period called the "Dark Ages" which lasted for about 1000 years ending in about 1500 A.D. All scientific knowledge was banned. In addition to thinking that the world was flat, they also thought that it was a sin to take a bath. We must learn that Professor Phillip Tobias states that "HUMANITY WAS A GIFT FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD" We must learn that it was our African Ancestors! Oath to Our Ancestors" by Ray Hagins O African Ancestors! Who gave civilization to the world, arts to the world, music to the world, sciences to the world, mathematics to the world, literature to the world, philosophy to the world and God consciousness to the world. With this knowledge we ill learn of the BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOOD OF ALL MANKIND. Hotep, Arnetta

BLACK HISTORY MONTH is a day we remember all the African and African American's who werent afraid to stand up and fight for their freedom no matter what the cost was. And because of them, alot of change has occured in America and they have made history. Just like Obama has. Although he is president, that doest mean that there should no longer be black history month. Due to the struggle of the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders change came, which made a way for a black man like Obama to be in office. Without our fight, this would never happen. Therefore, we cannot forget our past, because it is our past, that makes a better future.

I totally agree that Black History Month is here to stay. Our history is a story of our past and the struggle which has enabled us to come a long way, which includes puting a great man, Barak Obama into office. If we forget our history, then we will forget who we are.

I can't stand black history month. I'm not racist I just think it's stupid. If us white people was to have a white history month we would be racist.