Recognizing Black History Shouldn't Stop When February Is Over | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Featured

Recognizing Black History Shouldn't Stop When February Is Over

And you thought the cold February air was bitter.

10.2k
Recognizing Black History Shouldn't Stop When February Is Over
onyxtruth.com

It is currently February, which means it is Black History Month. This recognition is not enough, but it is a respectable time of reflection for the experience of African Americans in the country. By the way-- if you question Black History Month by asking when is White History Month, then you are racist. There is no reason to derail from Black History Month. Even if there was something as stupid as "White History Month", then there would still be no need to mention it during the month of February. This act of derailing is a massive problem in our current society. One of the more notable offenses would be how people interject the "Black Lives Matter" campaign with statements like "No, all lives matter" or "Well, white lives matter, too." The organization simply focuses on black lives and the social injustices that black lives have had to endure.

If you have a problem with this organization, then you might be forgetting about the esteemed impact of the NAACP a.k.a. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The NAACP was formed in the first decade of the twentieth century and has been a driven civil rights organization since. One of the founders of the NAACP was W.E.B. Du Bois. He authored the piece "The Souls of Black Folk: Essays and Sketches" and in this piece, there is an example of the very brief description of the long-term effects of institutionalized racism.

"The Nation has not yet found peace from its sins; the freedman has not yet found in freedom his promised land. Whatever of good may have come in these years of change, the shadow of a deep disappointment rests upon the Negro people-- a disappointment all the more bitter because the unattained ideal was unbounded save by the simple ignorance of a of a lowly people."

In short, Du Bois is commenting on how free African Americans were still not equal to white people. There were still major obstacles that prevented African Americans from living a life that could equate to the privilege of white people. At the end of his quote, he is addressing how it is not the natural order for this unequal division of people. This division of privileged and underprivileged was created by those who have the privilege. It was not a matter of right and wrong because there is little integrity with power.

Du Bois' quote is sadly still applicable to our current society. There is still racism in our country and white privilege is very real. If you are white and fail to recognize the reality of white privilege, then you are racist and have "not yet found peace from its sins." There is still a clear need for civil rights activism. Believe it or not, Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" did not cure racism in our country. Racism is not something of the past. You do not have to be actively racist or outlandishly racist to be considered racist. Racism can come in very small doses, but those doses will always have an "all the more bitter" taste to them.

There is no excuse for racism. There is no being impartial to racism. Racism is not something that our society can keep trying to brush under the rug. There is an obvious inequality in our nation between white people and minorities. African Americans are not the only people who suffer from this social division. Take the rest of February to reflect on the social injustice in our society and learn to take a stand against racist actions, ideologies, and remarks. Even the smallest effort can make a big difference.

Report this Content
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

6048
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3799
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2996
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments