Expert: Observing Black History Month Still Important
January 26, 2012
By: Patrick Gonzales
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.
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.”