Why we mark Black History Month

For most Americans, the major significance of the date Feb. 14 is that it is Valentine’s Day, a time when people of all ages share cards, flowers and candy with loved ones.

But that day on the calendar was also especially meaningful when “the father of Black History Month” chose a time to share and commemorate the contributions of African Americans to this nation and the world by creating “Negro History Week” in 1926.

Carter G. Woodson, a writer, historian and one of the first African Americans to receive a doctorate from Harvard University, selected a week that encompassed the birthdays of two men — one white, one black — who were revered by the black community: President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (whose birth date, though not known exactly, was generally celebrated on Feb. 14).

Woodson’s belief that a people needed to know and understand its history took hold, with the annual occasion being observed by children in all-black public schools and students in predominantly black colleges all over the country, eventually evolving into a full month’s celebration of African American heritage.

In recent years, there has been more debate about whether such designation of “Black History Month” is still needed, whether it is more an irritation than education; more divisive than unifying.

That is a legitimate discussion to have, but at a time when the issue of race is once again in the forefront of the American consciousness (and there have been few times in history when it hasn’t been), it is important to study, learn about and acknowledge that part of this nation’s history that for the most part still is not included in the educational curriculum.

This important part of America’s story must be told, and not just about slavery, reconstruction, the era of segregation or the Civil Rights Movement; not just the tragedies, but the triumphs; not just the famous “heroes,” but the thousands of others who fought for justice and equality; and not only the struggles, but the numerous achievements in the arts, sciences, politics, business and culture.

Of course, the continued economic, educational and social challenges faced by black people and others of color must not be overlooked. Nor should they be defined in isolation from the larger American society, the all-inclusive American dream.

Several violent events over the past few months have prompted some leaders, including President Obama, to urge a national discussion on race.

Just this week, FBI Director James Comey delivered what he called the “hard truths” about law enforcement and its interaction with the minority community, which he says historically has been the victim of bias.

In a speech at Georgetown University, Comey said police must recognize that bias and work harder to improve relations with the community.

An NPR report noted that Comey has been leading by example, requiring all new FBI recruits to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C, with the understanding that the civil rights leader had been the unfair target of the agency.

The release of the highly acclaimed film, Selma, has renewed a national dialogue about the importance of the Civil Rights Movement and those of all races who sacrificed to change this country.

As we think about this month’s observance of black history, we should note that it — as well as that of Hispanics, Asians, native peoples, women and other groups in this country — is really a part of one history: American history.

This story was originally published February 12, 2015 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Why we mark Black History Month."