2008 Woodie Awards
Celebrating Black History month
Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: News
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Features Editor
February brings a time of celebrating the impact of African American history.
"It's important that America views Black History as a period of heritage, a time where African Americans reflect on where they have come from, what they have gone through and who it is who has brought them here. It is very much like the deliverance of Israel out of slavery and bondage. Black History is somewhat of a memorial or time of reflection for African Americans both young and old to reflect on the deliverance of a culture of people that belong to God," said Dr. Toney Parks, director of career development.
Dr. Carter Woodson, the founder of "Negro History Week" in 1926 was born to former slaves in 1875, and spent his early years working in quarries. At the age of 20, he left the mines, earned a high school degree and then continued his education until finally earning a doctoral degree in history at Harvard University.
The second week in February was chosen to become "Negro History Week" because it landed between the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. After the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's, "Negro History Week" was expanded to Black History Month. This time February was chosen because the birthdays of Langston Hughes, a distinguished black poet, and abolitionist Frederick Douglas are celebrated during this month.
"It's important to remember that African Americans express themselves spiritually out of their experience, which reflects on their ancestral heritage more so than their style of worship, which is different. That's why the music, praise, preaching and all the arts are done with such fervor and passion, because of their oppressed experiences, which is celebrated with a jubilant celebration," said Dr. Parks.
"Black History Month is a reminder that no matter who you are, no dream is beyond your reach," said Rashad Cummings, freshman sport management.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most renowned advocates of civil rights for African Americans, once had a dream that to many seemed unreachable. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,'" said King.
"Black History Month is were everyone comes to celebrate because they are on one accord. We all come together as one with equal rights, which were hard earned," said Eddie Palmer, freshman accounting.