PLATFORM : All of Black History

The current scope of Black History Month--and the very name of this observance--is inadequate. I would prefer “African History Month” because although we are American citizens our origin is African.

Looking at current customs of celebrating this heritage, I see too much song and dance and too much focus on dinners and fashion shows. The people who created this observance wanted a recognition of African-American contributions--to celebrate, for example, inventors such as the black creators of the alarm clock, the automatic transmission and the traffic light.

However, we must also look beyond America. One cannot fully appreciate the heritage of African-Americans unless there is also a recognition of the historic accomplishments of the Nile Valley civilizations that advanced mathematics, religious concepts, science, engineering and the arts. Americans should be exposed to the full continuum of African history--not just part of the story.