Is Black History Month just plain old history? In this multicultural unilateral world of today has Black History Month outlived its usefulness? Has it served its purpose? Does it have a place in a post racial society? These are just some of questions and controversy surrounding the month set aside to remember and celebrate the contribution and legacy of African Americans in this country. And where the, ultra pro Black, super militant, “Malcolm X was my daddy,” part of me riles with anger over the asking of any of these questions, the fair and scholarly side ponders them and seeks to see if they are justified. I remember as a child the fervor surrounding Black History Month. All of the regular classroom decorations would slowly be replaced by images of Fredrick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and others. We would be prepping for our parts in civil rights reenactments at our schools, our churches, and even our homes. There were television specials. Series such as Roots were in rotation every year. Radio disc jockeys wished everyone a," Happy Black History Month," as if it were not just a holiday but a hallowed month. It was everywhere. The pride of being Black was dripping from every eave and every blade of grass like morning dew. It was serious. It was fun. But most of all it was ours. It was Black People’s time to feel that we mattered. No, Black History never meant to ostracize any individual or group of people. But what it sought to achieve was a sense of unity and pride for a people long ostracized by the only nation they have known. In a place where History is white, whether it be called World history, American History, or even Ancient history, Black people needed a way to say that our experience not only mattered but was as rich as any other. And even to let ourselves and others know that our history was fundamental in the shaping of America itself and therefore must be honored. So a small group headed by the great Carter G. Woodson set out to make it a reality. They marked out one single week and dedicated it to talking Black matters and Black contribution unapologetically. What was remarkable about that small little week in the shortest month of the year was the effect it had on all Black people. Although we never considered such a concept before somehow it was what our collective souls needed. We needed to be honored for our struggle, our pain, and our triumphs. Especially our triumphs. And there are many. Far too many for one simple post to encompass. And the writer far too feeble to do justice to a legacy so immeasurably rich. This is The Black experience. From Crispus Attucks who became the first person to die in the war of independence to the buffalo soldiers of the Spanish American war, our legacy is rich. From Fredrick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois, our experience speaks of excellence. From Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali to Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, Black people have been astounding. From Nat Turner to Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, we have changed the course of human history. In every aspect and in every facet of this country from war to politics, from industry to invention, from sports to entertainment, from religion to human rights Black people in America have been at the forefront of shaping the world we live in today. And although many of us, Blacks included, wish to believe we live in a post racial society the need for the celebration of Black History Month is more relevant than ever before. Today after many trials, tribulations, and triumphs Black people still occupy a very precarious position in American society. As one of the main racial groups responsible for the establishment of this country (Native American and White European being the other groups), one would think that our role would be etched in stone and celebrated and that our experience today would echo this sentiment. But even after the great contributions of those before us we still find ourselves immersed in many of the same old battles against many of the same old foes; we even have new ones to overcome. But of course we shall. One of the greatest foes is that somehow someway the importance of such a month, and all Black History for that matter, is being lost on the present generations; the generations that matter most. Black History is not for history! Black History is for the present and the future. It tells the present and future generations where they come from. It tells them what immensities they are capable of. And it tells them where they can go and inspires them to get there. Looking around we see a generation that knows little if any of this. They are not grounded in their past therefore they are floating aimlessly in their present while their future is totally unsure. And what is most frightening is they are uninspired. And how can they be inspired when all around them is darkness and drab? Who can be inspired by story upon story of young people lost in their prime? This is why Black History Month is most relevant today. There is an entire generation who cannot draw strength power and pride from their roots. They are like fruit who can’t identify with the tree. They need the names. They need the stories. They need to hear how great they are because those who came before them where great. They need to know that they can stand because those who came before them were giants. They need to know that today their hands hold the pens that will write the next chapters in our legacy; that the greatest has yet to be told. This is the answer to all the questions this is the reason why. Black History yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And although a month has been set aside for it let us whisper it, bellow it, shout it, and sing it every single day of our lives and in the lives of our children. This is why. This is the reason……for the season…Peace & Love EL