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Every year, February is designated as Black History Month. For the Black Community, January through December is, in fact, Black History Month. Recognizing the significance of valuing African American Contributions throughout the year is more important than just one month out of the year.
We celebrate our rich history in this country, in the church, and worldwide - continuing to educate ourselves, our children, and the larger community about our gifts, talents and contributions, and our legacy as a people.
In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of African American contributions to various aspects of society, including culture, literature, science, politics, and more. While it is commendable to dedicate a month, specifically February, to celebrate African American history, it is equally crucial to extend the acknowledgment of their contributions throughout the year. It is significant to value African American contributions consistently, elaborating on the benefits of a year-long approach.
By highlighting African American achievements throughout the year, we actively challenge stereotypes and debunk misconceptions. Often, limited exposure to diverse narratives can lead to a lack of understanding and perpetuate harmful biases. However, consistent recognition of African American contributions can reshape societal perceptions, leading to increased empathy and appreciation for their accomplishments.
For instance, when discussing scientific advancements, it is vital to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of African American scientists such as Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. Highlighting her contributions throughout the year breaks the stereotype that African Americans are only involved in specific fields and emphasizes their significant impact in various domains.
Valuing African American contributions beyond a single month paves the way for inclusive education. By incorporating African American history, achievements, and contributions into the curriculum throughout the year, we foster a multicultural learning environment that enriches the educational experience for all students. Inclusive education promotes understanding, respect, and a sense of unity among diverse groups.
Imagine a history curriculum that not only focuses on the Civil Rights Movement during Black History Month but also teaches about African American inventors, artists, writers, and leaders throughout the year. This approach ensures every student understands the immense contributions made by African Americans, creating a more comprehensive and well-rounded education.
Recognizing African American contributions throughout the year is an empowering act that uplifts the community. By consistently highlighting their achievements, we acknowledge their resilience, talent, and impact on society. This recognition can inspire future generations of African Americans, boosting their self-esteem, fostering a sense of pride, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
When African American children see individuals who look like them being celebrated and acknowledged throughout the year, it ignites a sense of possibility and provides them with tangible role models. This empowerment can fuel aspirations, drive ambition, and dismantle barriers that may hinder their progress.
WE are not a one-month-a-year community. We have and continue to contribute in many wonderful ways to our community and the community at large. We are scientists, physicians, nurses, biologists, electricians, carpenters, teachers, bishops, mechanics, writers, authors, mathematicians, cosmetologists, dentists, longshoremen, priests, nuns, chefs, military men and women, and many other professions.
We have a rich history of contributions by many in our community that get celebrated during the month of February, however, there are a plethora of other contributions that never get taught or recognized.
For example, what African American politician was known as the “Harlem Fox?” His name was J. Raymond Jones, a Harlem politician who worked for years to advance the role of African Americans in government.
Rita Dove was the first African American and the youngest person ever to be honored as poet laureate from 1993 to 1995. She served as a consultant in poetry at the Library of Congress from 1993-95.
Alexander Lucius Twilight was the first African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College in 1823. Making him the first African American to graduate from college.
Otis Boykin invented more than 25 electric devices used in computers and guided missiles. He invented an electric mechanism created in 1955 as a regulating unit for heart pacemakers. His device used electrical impulses to maintain a steady heartbeat.
Marshall “Major” Taylor, the fastest bicycle rider in the world was known as the “The Black Cyclone” and became the first African American to win a national title in any sport in 1898.
Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., a pioneer in brain surgical techniques led the first successful operation to separate conjoined twins.
Susie King Taylor was the first Black army nurse, serving African American troops during the Civil War for more than four years, even though she was never paid.
Walter S. McAfee is the African American mathematician and physicist who first calculated the speed of the moon. McAfee participated in Project Diana in the 1940’s –a US, Army program created to determine whether a high frequency radio signal could penetrate the earth’s outer atmosphere.
Frederick McKinley Jones is best remembered for devising a method to refrigerate trucks carrying perishable food, an idea expanded to include air coolers for ships, planes, and trains. As a result of this method called prefabricated refrigerated construction, meat, fruit, vegetables, and butter could be transported long distances.
Ruby Bridges, the little girl who led the way, was the six-year-old ordered by a federal judge in 1960 to be allowed to enter the first grade at the all-white Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Dwight D. Eisenhower, President at that time, ordered that the armed federal marshals escort her inside the school to keep racist demonstrators from harassing her daily.
Cheyney University, the first historically Black college, was founded in Philadelphia in 1832 as the Institute for Colored Youth. This was at the request of African Americans who were determined to get educated. By law, slaves could not be taught to read and write. When the Civil War ended slavery, untold numbers of African Americans demanded the right to learn.
Richard Wright was a leading African American writer of the 1930s and 1940s. His writing, in a style called realism, reflected the seriousness of the period. His novel, Native Son, published in 1940, tells the story of the accidental murder of a white woman by a young Black man. It was told so powerfully, it became a selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, the first book by an African American writer to achieve that distinction.
The contributions of these African Americans are just a short sample of the diverse skills not taught or highlighted about African Americans in our society. Additional Black History facts can be found in the Quick/Study Academic guide which covers contributions from the Civil War to 2021, an excellent addition to any library on Black History.
While dedicating a month to celebrating African American history is a step in the right direction, it is essential to equally embrace and value African American contributions throughout the entire year. By doing so, we break stereotypes, promote inclusive education, and empower African American communities. Embracing a year-long approach ensures that we consistently recognize and appreciate the immense impact African Americans have had and continue to have in shaping our society.
Source: Little Known Black History Facts, as featured on the Tom Joyner Morning show with contributions by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Dr. James Newton, and John Solomon Sandridge, Published by McDonald’s Corporation, Oakbrook, Illinois, Copyright, 2000, Dr. Henry Louis Gates
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