We shouldn't get rid of Black History Month

The February 8, 2012 Dayton Daily News posed the question, "Do we still need Black History Month?" to its readers.

Here is my response, published in the February 16, 2012 Letters to the Editor, titled We shouldn't get rid of Black History Month.

Re the question, "Do we still need Black History Month?": The
need for Black History month remains the same as when Dr.
Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Week in 1926. There
is still public education funding disparity where black kids
live, racial wealth disparity, and under-representation of
African-Americans in history books.

Black History Month promotes and enhances, in a significant
and concentrated way, African-Americans' historical and
cultural awareness.

To end Black History Month would be a misguided act.
No racial or ethnic minority can leave the teaching and
dissemination of its history solely to others.

Even with Black History Month, countless African-
Americans had never heard of the contributions and
achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen until the
recently released movie "Red Tails." I suspect the
same lack of knowledge existed for Caucasians,
Hispanics and Asians in this country.

Yes, people are more aware today of the historical
contributions of African-Americans and that is
because of Black History Month. Schools in African-
American communities could do a better job of
teaching black history if they had more funding.

If Black History Month went away, it would be like
the darkness overcoming the light. Black History
Month is a wonderful way to celebrate African-American
history and the richness of diversity in America.