Why Argue About Not Having Black History Month, but Not Irish-American or Hispanic Heritage Months?

It’s been an ongoing dialogue for years, but the argument still persists: do we still need to have a month designated for Black History? It’s been argued that if black people really want to be seen as equal in this country, then we shouldn’t separate ourselves out. Singling ourselves out is just making it harder for us and creating a bigger rift between us and the mainstream. Our history is American history after all, including the fact that we do have a black president in office. All of this should mean that we’re fully immersed in the country’s rich history, right? Not so fast.

Think back to your school days. Most of us weren’t taught regularly about important blacks throughout history until when? Black History Month, of course. This is about the only time of year that blacks throughout American history are acknowledged and given their proper due.

And why do we feel the need to do away with Black History Month when almost every other ethnic group has a month dedicated to their history. For example:

• Irish-American History Month in March
• Arab-American History Month in April
• Jewish American Heritage Month in May
• National Hispanic Heritage Month in September

Yet, we never hear about doing away with these months. Why is that? Maybe because Black History Month is the most visible and is the easiest target. Maybe it’s time to either fully embrace blacks as true Americans and do away with Black History Month or keep the month and respect an often unforgotten part of history to inspire future generations.

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