Post Soundtrack: Donnie -- Cloud Nine
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Here we are at the start of a new month and I’m left with a lot on my mind. February came and went and it seems the ideals of Black History Month left right along with it. Initially, BHM was created in 1926 by Dr Carter G. Woodson and began originally as Negro History Week. It was created in order to bring national attention to the contributions of Black people throughout American history. But now, the question as to whether or not we still need a BHM comes oddly in question. Well, at least I am questioning it.Some think that with the election of the Nation’s first Black President, African American history has now converged with American history and that Black people should just adopt a kum-ba-yah mentality and ignore the facts that racism and bigotry still exist. Others believe that its far time we stopped celebrated being specific Americans and learn about all inclusions of all races (not just Blacks) that have affected our history. Then, there are those who think that BHM still has relevance in America and is often the only time Black history is taught in many schools and therefore should continue to be recognized.
But when was the significance of the holiday degraded and reduced to something barely recognizable? Well, that is a question no one can really definitively answer but the traces of BHM we presently see are a far cry from the efforts Dr.Woodson strived to give this country years ago.
Case and point — What’s up with the overhaul and mass promotion of BHM themed foods in supermarkets and drugstores with the stars being none other than collard greens, hot sauce, cotton balls, cornbread and orange soda; which is of course, sits next to the display of no-lye relaxer kits and shampoos made “specifically” for women of color. (See the proof here, here and here) After all, Black folks cant resist them some collards and hot sauce and just HAVE to wash it down with that good ole orange soda. Oh, and nothing screams BHM awareness than reminding Black people of their slave heritage by dropping the cotton balls 20 cents. True, food is a staple of Black culture; but that should not be the main focus during a month meant to celebrate and educate an entire nation.
Or better yet, lets celebrate BHM by getting The Black History Pre-Paid MasterCard. And yes, you read that right. It’s a pre-paid check card created just in time for BHM (see video below). And why would this kind of thing appeal to Black people you may ask. Well, that is because Black folk are notorious for frivolous spending , bad credit and no checking accounts. Therefore, giving us no other option than to pay ridiculous fees to use money that is ours in the first place. Why would we need the BH card if we had regular check cards attached to our checking accounts like everyone else? Personally, I am tired of Black people ( and all people for that matter) thinking that BHM is an avenue for franchise and capital gain. Is it just me or do we need to refocus on the staples that has made BHM was it was is and put the focus back on education and awareness?
Talk Back: Do you think BHM should be stopped? Have we lost focus of the real reason BHM was created? What do you teach your children about BHM? Has Black culture lost focus of its own heritage?
[An additional good read on the subject is here on Msnbc.com]
