Expert: Observing Black History Month Still Important

Pitch

Black History Month is in February, and while celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to U.S. society remains important, there is still work to be done to completely end racism.

 

Expert

Karlos Hill, assistant professor of history, (806) 742-3744 or karloskhill@gmail.com

 

Talking Points

• Origin, history and intentions of the February commemoration
• Importance of people continuing to observe Black History Month
• Different criticisms of observing Black History Month

 

Quotes

• “Black History Month critics often argue that an African-American history month ‘ghettoizes’ the history because it suggests that it is only necessary to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans to US society one month out of 12 and, more importantly, it suggests that African-American history is separate rather than constitutive of American history.
• “My criticism of Black History Month is that it has become a comforting ritual for congratulating ourselves on how far we as a nation have come rather than critically assessing the work that remains to be done.”
• “Black History Month remains an important American institution — regardless of the criticisms that have been launched against it — because it attempts to repair the accumulated damage that racism and historical amnesia have wreaked on American culture and society.”