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Friday, February 27, 1998

Black history now

Origins of commemoration harbinger of celebrating cultural achievements

By Rachel Munoz

Daily Bruin Staff

During a time when an African American was lynched every two and a half days, one man strived to change the perceptions of these so- called non-citizens and fractions of humans.

That man was Carter Goodwin Woodson, a lifetime devotee to the awareness of African-American achievements, whose contributions are still being celebrated today.

What is sometimes considered Woodson's greatest achievement is now known as Black History Month, originally Negro History Week. The week was first developed in 1926 to commemorate African-American history. For more than 70 years African Americans across the nation have continued to celebrate their history and progression during this month, but not without current issues threatening the continuation of Black History Month.

After receiving a doctorate from Harvard, Woodson decided to abandon mainstream academia to focus his attention on the scientific study of the African experience in America. In 1915, Woodson began African-American awareness by founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Study of Afro-American Life and History.

In 1926, 11 years later, came the start of Negro History Week, which would eventually transform into Black History Month in the '60s.

"Negro History Week was launched on a serious platform in 1926 to neutralize the apparent ignorance and deliberate distortion of black history," writes Yaw Boateng, a professor of education at Eastern Washington University, in the January 1995 edition of the Ghana Review. In order to bring a balance to the African-Americans' place in American and world history, Negro History Week sparked meetings, exhibitions, lectures and symposia.

Woodson is attributed as the Father of Black History, but Frederick Douglass was also instrumental in the progression of African Americans in our country.

Douglas, 57 years Woodson's senior, fought against segregation and spoke with President Abraham Lincoln about the problems of slavery. In 1845, after publishing his autobiography, Douglass left for England for fear his identity as a runaway slave would be discovered. After returning to the United States two years later, Douglass founded an anti-slavery newspaper and led a successful attack against segregated schools.

Coincidentally, Douglass' birthday falls in February, a month that also includes the anniversary of the oath of office taken by the first African-American senator, Hiram Revels.

Although Negro History Week has blossomed over seven decades into Black History Month, the meaning behind the celebration hasn't seemed to change for some.

"It is necessary to use the occasion to examine the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultural and political experience of the masses of Africans and peoples of African descent," Boateng wrote.

But one UCLA history professor doesn't believe that African Americans are as interested in the month as Boateng believes.

"There is kind of crossroads that has been reached," said Robert Hill, a professor of African-American History at UCLA. "African Americans are now not as enthusiastic about the day ... There is some kind of condescension."'

In his 21 years at UCLA, Hill has witnessed a severe decline in interest in events on campus that celebrate the month. He once enjoyed listening to and exchanging views with people who visited the campus, but no longer experiences such events.

"(Black History Month) seems not to bring the same kind of motivation," he said. "The process of cultural assimilation is working."

Hill suggests that possibly the African-American community here at UCLA doesn't feel that this is a hospitable climate for the expression of African-American issues. He also sees that, as a school, UCLA's lack of interest for the month is partly responsible.

Students are also aware of the lack of events on campus.

"It's not as celebratory as it once was," said Tau Flagg, a fourth-year English student. "It's not being emphasized to youth, and without them embracing it, it is going to be forgotten."

But Flagg believes that although there appears to be a lack of celebration, that should change. Outside of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, this seems to be the only time that there is a focus on African Americans. He feels the month should not only be emphasized more, but fully utilized.

His younger sister has also felt the lack of events at UCLA during February. "As a freshman, I was extremely disappointed at the lack of celebration," said Nina Flagg, a first-year undeclared student. "I thought there would be a lot of programs, and other freshmen have noticed as well."

But despite the complaints that events are not occurring on campus, UCLA has hosted events throughout February to celebrate Black History Month. There is currently an art exhibit in Kerckhoff Hall honoring Paul Robeson, an African-American entertainer who sang, danced and wrote. Robeson originated a role in "Show Boat"

On the 10th of February, Roni the "Free Flowin'" Poetri Queen performed for an audience in celebration of Black History Month. During the same week, two speakers on the Pan-African movement stressed the role that African people have played in world civilization and how struggles of African people worldwide are connected.

Perhaps the lack of publicity is the problem, not a lack of events.

Critics of the month itself believe that people only pay attention to African-American history during the month of February, and for the rest of the year it is forgotten. Many African-American critics and students alike believe that this is true.

"It is the whole attitude of just recognizing a month when it should be recognized during a whole year," Holmes said. "When it started, it started for progressive reasons. For African Americans in general, a month is not enough time to celebrate this progress."

Some don't see a promising future for the month if it continues in its current condition.

"I don't think it can go on in this desultory action," Hill said. "There might not even be a need for a Black History Month."

Without the same anticipation and participation on behalf of the students, he feels that the future of this celebration is ambiguous.

But Flagg would like to see Black History Month remain. "There is definitely a need to signify accomplishments as a people," he said.

His younger sister Nina feels that committees should be formed now to commemorate next February. She emphasizes that action should start this year, instead of waiting until the last minute next year.

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