by Salvatore Oliva

Created on: February 09, 2009

Who is kidding whom here? To me, black history month is a sad "I am sorry gift" to black America from white elite America. This is to say that for the remaining eleven months, we really should not care about black history? So! Embrace February, because this is all you are getting. We NEED to integrate black history into the American history curriculum and move away from the dangers of selected observation and self-interest, which further separates America.

For one of the youngest countries in existence and for the country that cries equality, how is it possible that we continuously update our history books? How come the truth behind a 233-year young country is still void in many areas? We are infants compared to our worldly neighbors!

An in-depth history of America from the establishment of the thirteen colonies onward could be taught in a one-year curriculum without leaving out a person of importance or a tide-turning event without prejudice. My question would be who decides which persons and events are relative to discuss? Scholars? They cannot be too scholarly, if they are prejudice in their selections and avoid the suffering and accomplishments of black Americans.

I also think pride based celebrations and observations are also to blame. St. Patrick's Day tries to quiet the American-Irish, Columbus Day quiets the American-Italians and of course, gambling casinos try to appease the Native American etc. Is this not sad? Black history month, although more important than not having a month at all is still a reason for Americans of other backgrounds to gripe resulting in continuing racism.

I think the important issue is to reflect on the realities of our history, before questioning our own preservation. Much of "American" history was recorded by Anglo-Europeans who came to this country as colonizers and conquerors. Does it really leave doubt why many elements of black history have been left out? Does slavery mean anything? It is ingrained in the white American history to avoid anyone else of different skin tone, bone structure and names ending in vowels. This is called FEAR!

America is the melting pot of the world. I think we have come this far in our young history not to involve key accomplishments from all backgrounds. For example, as a footwear designer, I always hear of the English and Italian footwear making traditions within US history, but I never hear about Jan Matzeliger, the African-American inventor of the last-making machine.

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