Our View: Celebrate history

­The month of February is Black History Month, a month we have set aside to remember the history and to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans in this country.

It is a time we can all sit back and learn from the experiences early African-Americans went through since the founding of this nation.

Many, however, tend to disregard this month entirely, considering it to be just another month. Are they right? Is it unfair to designate a month to one particular racial group?

Perhaps to some it is, but it is important to realize that historians often study events by considering the impact of different groups. In studying this unique history, whites and blacks should come to appreciate the accomplishments that have been made in shaping this nation as we know it.

We can read of Benjamin Banneker who helped with the survey and planning of our nation's capital.

We can read of Harriet Tubman, an African-American abolitionist who helped over 70 slaves escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad.

We can read of Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist and former slave who helped change many Americans' view of slavery.

We can learn about Senator Hiram Revels and his struggle to become the first black man in Congress in 1870.

We can read of Booker T. Washington who struggled to provide equal educational  opportunities for blacks.

We can learn from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose firm stance against the Jim Crow laws of the South helped spur the Civil Rights Movement.

This list goes on and on. By honoring those men and women who furthered the welfare of their fellow African Americans, we can be reminded of the progress this nation has made in regards to civil rights, in all races and backgrounds.

It may also encourage us to stand up for what we believe in and fight for a cause based on principles.

By studying black history (or any history for that matter), we can learn from the mistakes of the past and resolve not to repeat them.

"Our View" is written by the editorial staff. The opinions are not necessarily reflective of the student body, faculty or administration of Arkansas State University.