Black History Is American History

It was August 28th, 1963, and the greatest civil rights coalition in modern history had descended upon Washington. Hundreds of thousands of protesters trekked through the heat, stretching from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. For several hours, marchers heard oratory expression from civil rights, religious, labor, and student leaders from across the country.

Several hours passed, and marchers were growing weary from the sun's rays. Finally, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took the stage. Dr. King started his prolific speech by recounting the past and present injustices many African Americans experienced during their quest for civil rights. However, it was Dr. King's awesome vision, his dream for a better America, that forever changed the course of history. He envisioned an America where "... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

It is in this same spirit that all Americans should celebrate Black History Month. Throughout this month, we all pause to reflect and celebrate our rich and wonderful mosaic. We examine and highlight the history of the African descendants in America, and know that each and every one of us has come this far because of our faith in this country. It is a time to celebrate our collective strength which pulled us through past struggles; a time to recognize our present day victories, and honor those who brought us to this point. This month we recognize that while our nation continues to confront and break down any remnants of bigotry and hate, we can see the sun over the horizon. Only by acknowledging the success and sacrifice made by those who came before us, can we fully understand what we must do to ensure the liberty of those who will succeed us.

During this month we honor great pioneers like Crispus Attucks, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Thurgood Marshall and Adam Clayton Powell, who now watch over us like guardian angels. We pay homage to our civil rights leaders like Congressmen John Conyers, John Lewis, Bobby Rush and Charles Rangel, who continue the good fight for justice here in Congress. We celebrate our living legends and history makers like Congressman James Clyburn, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Colin Powell, Venus and Serena Williams, and Judith Jamison. Lastly, we pray for our first black President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as the many brilliant people of color in the Administration that have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of all Americans.

It is also important that we recognize our unsung heroes, like Harvey Lawrence of the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center, who works everyday to provide comprehensive health services to some of the poorest of my constituents. Community leaders across this country provide life changing services to the most vulnerable among us; and make a lasting impact on our society without national recognition.

We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness. I encourage all Americans to take time during this month, and throughout the year, to reflect upon the many contributions African Americans have made to the building of our nation.

Crossposted at the Democratic Caucus blog.

 

Comments

[Iehi Aour]

Well, for most, what they know of American history begins with a lost sailor. It only gets murkier from there. The obvious issue is that if all they bothered to tell correctly the story of Black people's time here,
then February could be dedicated to the preservation of all the leftover sausage. Of course, when Dr. Woodson created Black History Week in Feb, he had a pretty good reason for doing so. It was a different time though, months tended not to be dedicated to anything or anyone back then.

None the less, one ought to to inclined to think that the very fact of Black History Month would suggest to some others, that perhaps their own history is not so complete or integrated and that they would go ahead and investigate such possibilities. Instead, for the most part though, they will just squawk about why those Black people need to have a month. United States the beautiful.

[hippie chucker]

I agree with Morgan Freeman. The best way to end racism is simply to stop talking about it.

The only thing that needs to be taught in black history month is the Democrats role in enslaving blacks, their war of secession to protect slavery, and subsequent support of Jim Crow, founding of the Klan, etc.
The civil rights struggle was a story of liberty minded blacks revolting against status quo Democrats who saw them as property.

[Jriep]

I truly hope he did not say that. The way to end racism is to talk about it openly and honestly so that we dont fall into the divisive sterotypes and backwards ideology that force us into boxes that do not represent the best in anyone.

[padstermac]

What was "prolific" about Martin Luther King's speech?

It sure was a brilliant speech (one of my favorites), but how could it have been prolific?

[napasonoma]

"We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness".

Italian history is American history, whose achievements have contributed to greatness.
Polish history is American history, etc.
German history is American history, etc.
Irish history is American history, etc.
Spanish history is American history, etc.
Puerto Rican history is American history, etc.
Danish history is American history, etc.

The list goes on. . .and yet we never hear these people shoving it down our throats. So what's the big deal? Such a devisive notion ought to be eliminated from our collective thinking asap.

[Zenpilot]

I think your confusion stems from the fact that the author of this piece is not Danish or Polish or German or Irish, etc.

FYI, the Italians have a huge parade and a holiday for "discovering America" ("Where'd these savages come from?") and the Irish have a parade for a guy who supposedly rid his country of snakes (science would say a freakin' glacier did it).

At least blacks have a holiday for someone who really did what they say he did.

[TooLooze]

When there is the same level of bigotry and discrimination toward people of color as there is against the Danish, we won't need to be reminded.

[Iehi Aour]

Danish? Donut!

[Feisty1960]

We're supposed to be ASHAMED that we are from countries that are mostly white-dontya get it? HEY! Will y'all start referring to me as "French-American", please?
The hyphenated American is yet another divisive creation of the people that claim that they are NOT divisive.

[Feisty1960]

Black this-black that. Dems ALWAYS have to divide people based on skin color. If you're white nowadays, it's supposed to be something to be ashamed of. It's getting old.

[bujudude]

That is an absurd contention. You complain about “black this, black that” as if racism suddenly disappeared after Obama’s election, also ignoring the viciousness emanating from the birthers and tea-baggers and the likes of Limbaugh. Most black people in this country vote Democrat largely due to the legacy of Nixon’s “southern strategy” and the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act in 1964-65 under Lyndon Johnson. Plus Bush was THE most divisive president of all time. And your claim that being white means it is “something to be ashamed of” is equally ridiculous. Part of Dr. King’s legacy was his admonishment to be judged by the content of your character, not the color of your skin. Thus your actions and intentions are what others will judge you by, not the circumstances of your birth.

[GafferTapeLvr]

Well Put!!!!!!! Bravo

[Feisty1960]

Ahh, but you misrepresent (intentionally, I'm sure), what it is that you leftists actually DO. I believe MLK's words. Yes, you SHOULD be judged by the content of your character and NOT the color of your skin. That is why it is so hypocritical of the liberals to constantly insist on the black caucus, the black coalition (of this or that), the Black Panthers (whom you allow to intimidate voters), the NAACP (yet you screech if anyone else uses the term "colored"), the United NEGRO College Fund (yet you have a hissy if anyone else uses the term "Negro"), and all the other groups that define themselves by the color of their skin.
Doesn't that make the blacks themselves (along with the Democrats), the ones that are divisive, by definition?
As far as blacks voting Democrat, it is because you intentionally create a victim status for them. The Democrats filibustered the Civil Right's act that you mentioned, now didn't they?
Huge numbers of blacks admitted that the only reason they voted for Obama is because of the color of their skin-THIS is what the left has created and the hypocrisy becomes more shameful as time goes on. Blacks are just as intelligent and just as capable as anyone else so I don't think they need the "special help" that the Dems say they do. Aren't the true racists the ones that think that people of one skin color are unable to take care of themselves without their assistance?

[rougebaisers]

Yes, but so is Irish history American history, or Italian history American history. What is the deal with a full month? No one else gets a month?

[Jriep]

Black history month was invented because of the lack of African American history that exists within our schools, textbooks, etc. Black history month is a time where we actually pay attention to contributions that african americans have made to develop this great nation. It's unfortunate that it's done in one month of the year and not all year long. The reality is that african americans are not include in much of the curriculum that exists in our schools. For example slavery was one paragraph in a book while Greek and Roman history took up two quarters in a year. The fact that we need a month is a reflection that we have not fully embraced african american history and the contributions it has made to american history overall.

[rougebaisers]

See now that makes sense. Thank you for sharing.

[deecee22]

The title of your article should have been "American Black History Month"

[GafferTapeLvr]

United States Black History Month. The U.S. has always like to tell the world it represents the whole hemisphere but that is a bunch of loo logs.

[LMPE]

It's also worth noting the role that slavery played in American history. The United States had slavery for over 200 years, and it only got abolished 145 years ago. Even after slavery got abolished, African-Americans had practically no rights for almost 100 more years. Race has always been one of the most important factors in our country.

[Chise67]

My comment will be the 5th comment I guess? This shows how much the history of OUR people mean to this country in a big way. Yes, we do need to always remember & celebrate OUR heritage, but we should also press for more respect in the historical writings. W's do not want to acknowledge the past actions of the early settlers on this land. We will always see the swiss banks raided for the holocaust survivors, but you bring up reparations into a conversation & watch how it all turns quickly to the ,"Can't we just move on....", type comments! It never ceases to amaze me just how deeply seated the fear/disdain/hate for us in this country is, all the while, they are still smiling in our faces. We had to fight just to get MLK's B-day recognized, & it still is just a patronizing way in which it is celebrated nationwide. Study, & know OUR history, celebrate it & teach your children! And only WE can do that properly!

[peowlemeow]

I would have enjoyed history more if it was less biased when I was in school.I hope it doesn't get biased the other way and turn people off.People are trying to change history now.Just keeping up with the global warming deniers is nerve wracking.It has got to be difficult just to keep world wide Black history from getting tampered with or denied by mean spirited people.

[IGNSTHMD]

We as blacks are lucky to have such a long history of ancestors that not only contributed to the mosaic of American acheivement, but did it in such a way as to reflect the grave and graciousness inherent to the black experience. Thank You.

[whyworry]

Would be a nice thing to do...but right now? That's the question that beats all. I've noticed that little media attention is being given to this years Black History month...

[OhgReaTone]

Black History is very much American History. We cannot fully appreciate the context of history without considering the woven fabric of racial connectedness. Teddy Roosevelt had an experience with Booker T. Washington that surprised the President - he was not prepared to the media uproar after having Mr. Washington come to the White House for dinner. ..........

http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/10/09/teddy-roosevelt-racism-and-the-presidency/