2008 Woodie Awards
Why Black History Month is needed
Shane Daniels
Issue date: 2/1/05 Section: Forum
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First of all, I don?t want to be labeled as the "black writer," but since it is Black History Month, this is a good time to address certain topics. For instance, why is there a Black History month? I often hear white students (and non-students) ask this question.
Or some ask, "Why isn?t there a white history month?" For those who don?t ask, I?m pretty sure they shared similar thoughts at one time or another. In addition to that way of thinking, I often hear people ask, "Why is there a Black Student Union as opposed to a White Student Union?" Even though one could possibly conjure up a valid argument regarding these topics, the means for understanding why a Black History month and a B.S.U are needed is not that difficult.
Think of it this way: in foreign countries, the United States establishes embassies in that country to guarantee that any American who happens to live, visit or work in that country, will have access to American culture and American
ways of life. Ambassadors even work in these embassies to guarantee that America is represented in that country. Whether it is money, communicating back to America, or trade, embassies promise that American ideals are represented everywhere. Without ambassadors and these places of safety, it is not guaranteed that America will even be recognized in that particular part of the world.
If the United States did not have a U.S. Embassy in China, how would the United States be certain that the Americans living in China or visiting China would be able to communicate with family in the United States, conduct business in a comfortable atmosphere or even trade safely? It would be foolish not to establish embassies in places where Americans reside or visit. Many foreign countries do not share similar ideals with Americans. Who would an American outsider relate to then?
Therefore, without a Black Student Union (or LASO), which address the social, cultural, spiritual and educational needs of minorities on campus, where would a minority go for these needs to be met? Let?s not be so blind. This campus, like our society, is predominantly white, which means that there are going to be more white professors, student leaders and administrators. Consequently, the views and ideals of the majority are obviously going to be addressed regularly.
Or some ask, "Why isn?t there a white history month?" For those who don?t ask, I?m pretty sure they shared similar thoughts at one time or another. In addition to that way of thinking, I often hear people ask, "Why is there a Black Student Union as opposed to a White Student Union?" Even though one could possibly conjure up a valid argument regarding these topics, the means for understanding why a Black History month and a B.S.U are needed is not that difficult.
Think of it this way: in foreign countries, the United States establishes embassies in that country to guarantee that any American who happens to live, visit or work in that country, will have access to American culture and American
ways of life. Ambassadors even work in these embassies to guarantee that America is represented in that country. Whether it is money, communicating back to America, or trade, embassies promise that American ideals are represented everywhere. Without ambassadors and these places of safety, it is not guaranteed that America will even be recognized in that particular part of the world.
If the United States did not have a U.S. Embassy in China, how would the United States be certain that the Americans living in China or visiting China would be able to communicate with family in the United States, conduct business in a comfortable atmosphere or even trade safely? It would be foolish not to establish embassies in places where Americans reside or visit. Many foreign countries do not share similar ideals with Americans. Who would an American outsider relate to then?
Therefore, without a Black Student Union (or LASO), which address the social, cultural, spiritual and educational needs of minorities on campus, where would a minority go for these needs to be met? Let?s not be so blind. This campus, like our society, is predominantly white, which means that there are going to be more white professors, student leaders and administrators. Consequently, the views and ideals of the majority are obviously going to be addressed regularly.
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