A Memorable Black History Month
 |
I believe the National Museum project goes a long way towards achieving the vision that Dr. Carter G. Woodson had when he launched Negro History Week in 1926. Like contemporary critics who want year-round recognition of African-American history, I don’t think Dr. Woodson, were he alive today, would be satisfied with the way Negro History Week has transitioned into Black History Month. He would want the kind of recognition and celebration that a National Museum of African American History and Culture could accommodate.
But speaking of year-round recognition, there are those who totally embrace Black History Month and there are those who embrace it, but feel a little uncomfortable that we dedicate one month a year recognizing and talking about the contributions of African-Americans. And then, of course, there are those who just flat out don’t like it.
But the cover story is focused more on the second school of thought. Some scholars believe Black History Month is a good thing, but think it needs to be tweaked a bit. As you’ll read in assistant editor Crystal Keels’ “Celebration or Placebo,” there are scholars who refuse speaking engagements during Black History Month because of feelings of exploitation.
