Black History Month

   Originally called "Negro Week", historian Carter G. Woodson created Black History month in 1926 to educate people on the accomplishments of African Americans and give those achievements more weight.

   A year earlier Carter, along with 4 other historians they had created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), with the goal of helping African American accomplishments gain recognition.

   Over the years Black History Month has garnered acknowledgment to a number of people like Martin Luther King, Daniel Hale Williams and Carter G. Woodson.

   "In my opinion Black History Month is a valuable context for students to learn about great figures in American history that have historically been left out public school curriculum," Larry Tualla, member of the SCC Inclusiveness Council and English teacher, said.

   While there are many people celebrated on Black History Month, there is always a few that are recognized more than others.

   "Many younger students think there is no need to have an isolated/separate celebration of great African-American icons because of institutionalized ignorance," Tualla said.

   Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated for his accomplishments in the Civil Rights field, and for his remarkable ability for public speaking.

   Daniel Hale Williams was the first person to succeed in performing open Heart Surgery, and also opened up the first hospital that was not segregated by race.

   Carter Woodward, the man responsible for Black History Month, is regarded as the pioneer in African American History. His groundbreaking holiday helped lead to other similar holidays, such as Women's history month and Jewish American Heritage Month.

   "Many of my favorite figures really come out of the Harlem Renaissance such as Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Dubois.  They were very influential in the inception African-based elements into Jazz music in the 1920s," Tualla said.

   Every year in February these people are celebrated for their success, but Black History Month has had several outspoken critics in the past over a variety of issues.

   Critics of Black History Month include its supposed effect of separating Black History from regular history. Others state that limiting Black History month to February, the shortest month of a year, belittles the accomplishments of some of America's greatest Black leaders and thinkers.

   Recent African American individuals are also recognized. The first Black astronaut to go to space Guion Bluford, President of Brown University Ruth Simmons, and the current President Barack Obama are among the group of people endeavoring in important positions all over the country.

   Whatever people's opinions on Black History Month may be, there is no denial that it has brought important African American figures to the forefront of history.