Revisiting and Rethinking Past Judgements

From the beginning of school, I always remember what pride my teachers took in Black History Month. In fourth grade, my teacher even dedicated the entire month to nothing BUT learning about Black History in America. But instead of this opening myself up to the struggles of a race of people who had been neglected over time, it instead made me frustrated and ask questions about it.

I always wondered, "Why isn't there an Irish, Ital

ian, Portuguese, or Scottish-American history month? Why are these people so special?" And for a little kid, I think I had quite a good point.

As American citizens, we are known as a mixing pot of all types of nationalities. And at some point or another, we have ALL been discriminated against. And not only was this wrong, but we must never forget that discrimination because we don't want these feelings of distrust and dislike to return. Even now we fall victim to bigotry against middle-eastern people and even our own American citizens of this descent. But why must we dedicate an entire month to one group of people? Because they accomplished extraordinary things in academics and arts, even though it may have been overlooked at one time.

Poets such as Jupiter Hammon and Phyllis Wheatly started with writing beautiful poetry when there seemed to be no hope in sight for freedom. Later on, great minds such as Benjamin Banneker, who built the first clock in America, pushed on through oppressive slavery to create and explore the fantastic scientific world around them. And these many beginners opened the door for Opportunity. This opportunity is the Harlem Renaissance.

jazz, pop, zing, color!

What an exciting time in American history! A new culture was emerging and it was swingin'! Although I'm going to leave the Renaissance for another post, I will leave you with this last thought.

Black history is rich, and I understand its importance to our country and the type of people that we've become. But always remember, it's not just Black History that we need to remember and respect. It's the history of ALL people. Whatever your religious beliefs, skin color, political position, or national heritage, we are all people. And as Americans looking back at the discrimination of our past, we should know better than allow ourselves to fall into the trap of discrimination. I may have taken me a while to appreciate Black History month, but I think I know that the answer to my childhood question is: every month should be history and appreciation month all types of people.