If we still need a designated month to celebrate the progress and culture of African-Americans, racism still exists.
Black Faculty and Staff Caucus President Randy Fontenot explains: “Because I can sit in the office today, and our president is black, doesn’t mean we’ve made it.”
Black History Month provides 28 days to celebrate the history and cultural contributions of African-Americans. At times, this month receives flack for still existing.
Acknowledging that Black History Month is still needed in America is the same as saying racism still exists and that African-American history isn’t taught enough.
Because only American and Louisiana history courses are mandatory in school, students receive minimal African-American history, and this includes black students learning only the basics about their own past.
As an African-American, I can say that during February I learn more about my heritage than during any other month. I’m not sure yet if that’s a good thing.
Discussing Black History Month on campus with students gave me the feel that many are unaware of any performances, speakers or events taking place here. Some hear about the great speakers invited to campus, but attendance for other functions fades after that.
Fontenot attended the University as a freshman in 1991, when February was a month of heavily attended events on campus for Black History Month, compared to today.
Fontenot said Black History Month provides an opportunity to see things through his parents’ era, specifically the Civil Rights Movement. Our professors and counselors today had parents who dealt directly with segregation and its struggle.
As students, we see that period as decades before our time, but in reality, people who experienced it still surround us.
“I need to know more, and the people in my life need to know more. How do you expect us to move forward and make changes?” Fontenot said.
It’s not just America that recognizes Black History Month. Canada celebrates the month in February, and the United Kingdom observes it in October.
African-American literature professor John Lowe frequently travels internationally for events regarding African-American literature and culture. He recently attended the Consortium for African-American Research in Paris.
Lowe mentioned that Europeans are fascinated with African-American culture, which they see as American culture.
“African-American history has made us conscious of what the country is and isn’t. Nobody knows better than those denied access to the American dream,” Lowe said.
Black History Month created a ripple effect in the ‘90s, with other nationalities forming heritage months, including Hispanic American in September, Asian Pacific American in May and American Indian in November.
A downfall to celebrating a nationality’s history in a month is that it can be challenging to grasp more than the basics.
“We only get the LPB show during February, but that’s it. Where’s the depth to Black History Month?” Fontenot said.
Public relations junior Missy Floyd makes an excellent point — different African-Americans should be highlighted during Black History Month. Instead, the focus is always Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr.
Floyd discussed the good habit of making the effort to learn something different each February.
With better turnouts for current black history events, a stronger budget can be provided for organizations putting on the performance nights, speaker events and forums.
Lowe suggested starting a black film series, as many African-Americans have contributed significantly to Hollywood.
I’ll gladly give up two hours of my evening to watch a movie involving history or celebrating prominent African-American figures, and I’m sure others would do the same.
“Celebrating Black History Month is definitely purposeful. It’s good to specify a time that would go otherwise unnoticed,” said chemical engineering freshman Ryan Renfroe.
Integrating African-American history and culture started with a week — Negro History Week, which began in 1925 — and expanded to embracing the month of February. Let’s anticipate replacing a month of thorough black education with a year’s worth.
Marie-Therese Yokum is a 19-year-old mass communication and finance sophomore from Lafayette. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_myokum.
 
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Contact Marie-Therese Yokum at [email protected]