Black History Month

Black History Month

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave

I am the dream and the hope of the slave

I rise

I rise

I rise

Maya Angelou (1928- "Still I rise " And Still I Rise (1978

What is Black History Month ? Surprisingly , the answer to that seemingly simple question would have a multitude of different answers varying in degrees from full support to was asked . The extreme fluctuation in emotional reaction to what appears on the outside to be a month long celebration of heritage lies in the

different opinions of some very complex issues . Arguments over the benefits versus harm , and the definition of black history itself are at the core of this heated debate

The month long focus on the history of Black Americans , known as Black History Month , was brought to life by Dr . Carter G . Woodson . Dr Woodson , one of the first black Americans to receive a Ph .D . from Harvard university (Gearing Up For Black History Month , 2007 , was disturbed in the lack of knowledge and availability of Black History in America of any kind . Woodson felt strongly about this lack of history for an entire ethnic group and felt the need to create a forum that would

highlight the contributions of black Americans to our nation and the world . His goal was to bring to light the 'hidden history and culture of the American people , and through this special observance , help all Americans to appreciate their ethnic roots...