EDITORIAL: Black History Month honors teachable moments in our history

Published 10:43 pm Tuesday, February 9, 2021

The second month in the calendar year, February is notable for a number of events and activities — the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and, since 1926, the observance of Black History Month. This month-long observance was originally organized by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who desired to establish a celebration of achievements by African Americans and recognize their contributions in the larger context, acknowledging their central role in our nation’s history. That history, nearly 100 years after Woodson’s idea originated, and the historic strides still being made today reveal to all of us the landmark strides and accomplishments that have been attained and their vital significance in the tapestry of our nation. The events of the past year have brought social justice and race relations to the forefront of many of our national conversations. Perhaps the best means to fully hear, understand, heal, and face our nation’s racial divide is to know and understand the events of our past. 

While not the only way, Black History Month is one means to do that. 

It is an opportunity to not only celebrate the accomplishments of national figures, but those who have impacted this community for the better as well. People like Geraldine Dennis, a trailblazer in the law enforcement community, the Rev. Wilkes Flagg, founder of the historic Flagg Chapel Baptist Church, or Denette Odom Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Milledgeville City Council; Geneva Bell Davis, the county’s first African American county commissioner, J.C. Hogan, the first African American to serve on the Baldwin County Board of Education, or entrepreneurs like those who operated successful businesses in the area downtown once known as “The Strip.” 

To be knowledgeable of these citizens, their triumphs and their struggles, is to know and understand the complexities of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. 

Many argue today, however, that a month-long celebration is outdated and serves no purpose anymore as our nation’s racial culture has shifted. Yes, this history and these contributions should be recognized all year long because they are significant to the advancement of our nation and our culture.

But even today, there are still firsts being accomplished. Just last month, the first African-American from Georgia was elected to the US Senate, for example. 

Hopefully, there will come a day when we will all realize there is no need for a singular month to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans as their contributions will be highlighted more prominently all year long.

These stories warrant recognition 12 months out of the year. Black history, as with the history of countless others cultures of those who have contributed, are one in the same with our nation’s history.

There contributions and the legacy they have imparted are an integral part of our lives not only for the 28 days of February but all year long. Their legacies have helped to shape our community, our country, and our world.