Our View: Learning to appreciate year round

Black History Month is officially coming to an end as the month of February closes.

2013 marks the 38th successful year of Black History Month since its creation in 1976. For 38 years Black History Month has been honoring the work of African Americans while signifying unity across all racial boundaries.

This celebration originated in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, who served as a professor and historian, started Negro History Week.

Originally, Woodson saw a need to champion black writers whose literary works were overlooked and even sometimes suppressed by writers of history textbooks.

Now, 88 years later, the weeklong celebration has developed into a month long festivity that highlights the efforts of numerous African Americans and others who have established our national identity.

Since it’s creation all people have been able to benefit from the unifying experience of valuing all cultures and peoples. Black History Month has especially been a success on our campus as we were able to highlight speakers, enjoy meals, presentations and music.

It is hard to imagine where our society would be without the efforts put forth by Woodson and others.

While a month has been dedicated to the achievements of those who participated in emancipation, the civil rights movement and the on going anti-racism it should not stop here.

It is high time that American’s stop relying on Black History Month for being the only time of year where we highlight the work of African American pioneers.

There needs to be a continuous push to teach students nation wide about all of the great thinkers, cultures and identities found in our great country.

Just as Woodson saw a need for Black history included in textbooks this needs to be a continuous goal as our country moves forward. To continue to educate, inspire and build up each other as our country faces new challenges in the future.

Where holidays like Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day can act as the sole event that we express our love in relationships and give thanks; let’s not stop appreciating everyone throughout the entire year.

It takes a conscious effort on the behalf of everyone in our society from history textbook makers, to normal college students.

Next month as we celebrate Woman’s history month let’s keep this goal in mind. Our desire is to echo Woodson and his wish to honor everyone’s gifts, regardless of race.

“The different ness of races, moreover, is no evidence of superiority or of inferiority. This merely indicates that each race has certain gifts which the others do not possess.” – Carter G. Woodson


“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.