A History Worth Working For

A history free of bias. That was the goal of Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian who in 1926--when this nation was racially divided by law and custom--proposed devoting one week to celebrate and study black history and culture.

In an effort to dispel stereotypes about black Americans, the Harvard-trained professor called for selection of the second week in February because that week included the birthdays of two famous orators and abolitionists: Frederick Douglass, the black journalist, and Abraham Lincoln, the president who freed the slaves.

In 1976, during the American Bicentennial celebration and 50 years after the first observance, Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month. Since then February has become a time to annually acknowledge the accomplishments of black Americans.

For many non-blacks it is the only time to formally remember the ravages of slavery, the shackles of Jim Crow and the legacy of discrimination. For too many, it is the lone opportunity to acknowledge the battles to overcome discrimination and all the work that remains to be done.

American history is the story of a rainbow of cultures and contributions. All should be included equally.

Carter Woodson, an integrationist, envisioned a time when no separate celebration would be needed to call attention to the accomplishments of black Americans. His ultimate goal was an integrated history that reflected no bias. That remains a worthwhile objective.