Radio Commentary
February has been proclaimed Black
History Month, saluting Americans of African-American descent who helped
develop our nation in countless ways, including those recognized, unrecognized,
and unrecorded.
In a recent proclamation, the state
board of education cited Black American history as reflecting a determined
spirit of perseverance by Black Americans in their struggle to equally share in
the opportunities of a nation founded on the principles of freedom for all.
It also speaks of Black American
citizens who have taken part in every American effort to secure, protect, and
maintain the essence and substance of American democracy.
The nation has recognized black
history annually since 1926.
For more than 90 years Black
History Month has been celebrated in February because it is the birth month of
two individuals who had a great influence on black Americans, Frederick Douglas
and Abraham Lincoln.
It is always a meaningful
recognition, especially with our first African American president.
California’s history and social
science frameworks for public schools urge that the curriculum reflect the
experiences of different racial, religious, and ethnic groups.
Black History Month is a time to
explore these issues further, examining where we were as a country, how we have
progressed, and where we need to go to live up to our principles of freedom and
equality for all. Our local schools always take part in this important effort.
