February 2017 will set the tone for another successful Black History Month. Many Americans were watching Super Bowl LI, a game that was won by New England. It was an unbelievable game for me.
However, what was believable was the notable Black History that was being presented before the game. The Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) provide numerous players who have carried their skills and talents to the NFL. These outstanding men play many positions and take on leading roles that help their team win regular season games as well as Super Bowl games.
On Sunday evening, John Stallworth from Alabama A& M University, along with other African American
men in his league, were honored as members of the Football Hall of Fame from HBCU. They stood tall and poised as the announcer called their name and the name of the college or university for which they played for before being drafted into the NFL. The class year for each athlete was identified by the sports announcer. These men were living the Dream of finally being recognized at an appropriate time in U.S. history.
February is not only the month of the Super Bowl but also the month where many Blacks are recognized for their contributions to America. I had the opportunity to meet John Stallworth several years back when he came to Zion #1 Baptist Church in Barton to speak at a Black History Program. Also, as I attended Alabama A&M, I witnessed his record-breaking seasons.
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
These are the words of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished Black author, editor, publisher and historian (December 1875 – April 1950). Carter G. Woodson believed that Blacks should know their past in order to participate intelligently in the affairs of our country. He strongly believed that Black history is a firm foundation for young Black Americans to build on in order to become productive citizens.
Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week. His message was that Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.
Woodson was one of the founders of ASLALH (the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). This organization was instrumental in getting Black History Week extended to Black History Month. Dr. Woodson’s outstanding historical research influenced others to carry on his work.
Whether it is called Black History, Negro History, African American History or Afro-American History, his philosophy has made the study of Black History important and interesting during the month of February.
