|
EDITORIAL: Contributions of African-Americans ingrained in nation's history
(The Union-Recorder (Milledgeville, Ga.) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Feb. 11--It is the melodic flow of Miles Davis and the skill of surgeon Dr. Ben Carson. It transports the mind to faraway places like the lyrical prose of Toni Morrison. It is the intellectual spirit of W.E.B. DuBois and the bravery of the Buffalo Soldiers. It is African-American history, and its stories and contributions are woven indelibly deep into the fabric of America.
Each year in February we celebrate the achievements of African-Americans as we mark Black History Month. But the impact of the works of numerous African-Americans from all walks of life -- often unnoticed and unrecorded in year's past -- have left such a lasting effect on our nation that their stories should be recounted all year long. Their legacies have left a mark on society and culture that will last a lifetime.
Black History Month originated more than 80 years ago through the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson as a way to acknowledge the milestones and achievements of African-Americans. As Pres. Barack Obama took the oath of office three weeks ago in Washington, D.C. and a nation and a world looked on, too few may have known that the city was built largely by the hands of African slaves. Few may have also known that prior to our president's historic run for office, five other African-Americans previously sought their party's presidential nomination. These efforts, as with numerous others, helped lay the foundation for our president's historic run to the White House, and in doing so helped to shape history. It is only through the recounting of this history that these elements of our past live on for generations to come. It is through the retelling of the contributions of all cultures to the growth of American that we inspire the next generation of our nation's leaders to dream.
And while no singular month can fully encompass all of these achievements, we recognize February's significance. Imagine for a moment how the landscape of Milledgeville and Baldwin County would be changed if it were not for leaders such as Wilkes Flagg, Sallie Ellis Davis, Sam Marlow, Dr. Benjamin Simmons and numerous others. We should all take time this month and beyond to research their stories and recognize their contributions.
Later this month, Georgia's Old Capital Museum will explore their significance through its newest display, "African-Americans and the Making of Milledgeville." Also, the Convention & Visitor's Bureau will offer the last of two free African-American historic trolley tours Sunday, Feb. 22, highlighting the heritage of black residents in Milledgeville and Baldwin County.
The stories of African-American entrepreneurs, scientists, teachers, doctors, lawyers and even everyday citizens who reached beyond the expected and took a stand for what they believed in have helped contribute to our local community and to our nation. Their stories and their history are forever linked to American history, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of a people and our country.
To see more of The Union-Recorder or to subscribe, go to http://www.unionrecorder.com/.
Copyright (c) 2009, The Union-Recorder, Milledgeville, Ga.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|
INDUSTRIES
Activate Email 
Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs & Service Providers at the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference and EXPO East, January 20-22, 2010. Miami, FL.
