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Is Black History Month still necessary?
Read the article that prompted this column
Sandra Varner, Oakland
Absolutely! I think Morgan Freeman's remarks have been taken far away from the context. I saw the "60 Minutes" interview with him and didn't come away with the notion that he thought we should dispense with the month's observance -- rather, that it should be a catalyst for all Americans to observe the notable contributions of blacks beyond the month of February. The fact that his decades-long contributions to film and stage were duly recognized just last year with an Oscar win more than justifies Black History Month.
Doris Howard, San Francisco
Racism is different now from what it was a half-century ago. It used to be overt, now it's covert. Yes, it's ridiculous to compress acknowledgement of our black history into one month. Without it, however, racism would be even more deeply underground and unacknowledged.
Julia Hare, San Francisco
Why hasn't the question been raised as to why white history is taught 12 months of the year? Should you remove February's Black History Month commemorations and celebrations -- ironically the shortest month of the year -- would you also put a halt to women's history month, since it was conceived to highlight and arrest sexism? Black History Month will no longer be necessary when racism no longer exists.
Marcia Miller, San Lorenzo
All histories are embodied in American history. To single one out is unfair to all the others. I think in a way, it segregates Amercia during that month.
Gloria Crowell, Oakland
Black History Month is certainly still necessary, particularly for young students to learn about the vast contributions to inventions, products, history and civil rights. My kids were fascinated to know that Garrett Morgan senior, an African American, invented the stoplight and thus has given the world a legacy and lasting impression.
Ron Dicks, San Francisco
Morgan Freeman is correct -- it's a sham, pure and simple. The media and corporate America "discover" blacks for a month (don't worry, it's only February).
Tony Verreos, Brisbane
I suggest we make the bold change to "Ourstory," wherein all contributions are shown and put into proper perspective. Wrongs can not be undone. Our choice is to acknowledge them, heal and move forward united, or let others define us, continue to seek revenge and ultimately destroy ourselves through division.
Parker Gibbs, San Francisco
When you see 80 percent of the black population disappear from New Orleans after Katrina, you realize that racism is still very much a part of George Bush's America. As much as I agree that it belittles the accomplishments of an entire race, anything that can enlighten and educate people about the accomplishments of black people is only going to help make all of us a better society.
Blair Calhoun, Half Moon Bay
No, but "my history" cannot be consigned to a single month. I'm an American. I have a legitimate claim to the entire history of this nation and its people including the good (democracy, individual freedom); the bad (war and discrimination); and the ugly (slavery and internment). I'm not proud of every moment, but I'm a part of each.
| January 31 2006 at 09:46 AM
