by Arjsanell Odom

Created on: January 25, 2010

As time passes and technology advances, many of our youth is becoming increasingly detached from their history than before. Many only learn what little is taught in schools and do not go above and beyond outside of the classroom. Even though Black History Month focuses on the growth of African-Americans, it is important for all races to see the value within the month.

Everyone has learned in one time or another about the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. But what about those whose faces were pushed back in the shadows that also accomplished great things?  To go even deeper in roots, there was Madam C.J. Walker, Federick Douglass, and, of course, George Washington Carver. Unfortunately, it took an online African-American history course through American Military University to learn about the first African-American schools and the great scholars who helped their race of the century to rise up to bigger dreams than being a sharecropper. Unfortunately, in high school, depending on the instructor, many only learn about slavery and the civil rights movement. True, these are both great subjects in African-American history but they are not the only subjects that should define the race.

Many children are taught to just be thankful that they are able to go to schools and walk around without being subject to racial violence. (Though there are some towns that are still known for their racist ways.) However, learning about the great accomplishments of African-Americans should encourage the future race to continue to make great history. Such as Barack Obama who is the first black president (though, theoretically he is not). However, seeing Barack Obama climb far up the ladder should at least teach the youth of today to be proud of their race and to strive to be above average.

Black History Month should be valued in each home as well as school. American families should learn what African-Americans achieved and how they helped the building of this nation not only through slavery but with their minds as well. Although, many families should know that the greater of the history was achieved in Africa, Jamaica, Haiti, and other islands. Haiti was born through a slave rebellion; however, many regard it as a poor country with little to look up to.

It is important for all to realize that Black History Month is full of many accomplishments. Even though America celebrates February as Black History Month, it is important to know that African-American history took place every day of the year and will continue to take place if our youth works hard to achieve.

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