If a race has no history, if it has no worth-while tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.
—Carter G.Woodson "Negro History Week", Journal of Negro History XI (April 1926)
Although the study of Black history has developed considerably over the past century, many scholars argue that it is still highly under-investigated. Most aspects of Black history are not included as an integral part of education, they say, and where some are included, the whole story is not told, although historians agree that the contributions of Black people to both the nation and civilization are as numerous and important as those of any other.
February is Black History Month—for many, the only time they are exposed to this history.
Growth of the Month
It was only about 150 years ago that Black people began to investigate their history. In 1841, James W.C. Pennington published the first book on Black history entitled, A Text Book of the Origin and History of the Colored People.
In the following years, many men and women including William C. Nell, Martin Delany, William W. Brown, G.W. Wiliams and W.E.B Du Bois made great contributions to the study of Black History. But an established, systematic approach to the study did not exist until 1915.
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson started the "Negro History Movement." Later that year, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
A year later, to further develop a systematic study of Black history, Woodson and the ASNLH launched the Journal of Negro History—the first such publication solely dedicated to the research of Black history.
Woodson wrote many articles and text books for all levels of study on Black history. His dedication to the acknowledgement of the achievements of his people earned him the title "The Father of Negro History."
In February 1926, Woodson and ASNLH sponsored a week-long program in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the richness of Black history. The program, called Negro History Week, was designed to introduce Black youth to the history of their people and to inspire them to be proud and aware citizens.
The annual, week-long program has expanded into the now nationally-recognized Black History Month. During this month, one can find many articles, programs, presentations, and seminars dedicated to the learning and celebrating of Black history.
UB celebrates
Different organizations at the university are sponsoring such events throughout the month. Presentations of Black art, music and cultural food will be made. Among the many speakers will be Andrew Young, Robert Wiliams, and Shirley Chishom. There will be a commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a tribute to Duke Ellington.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
