Editorial: Do more for Black history

From The Lookout Staff

It is hard to talk about Black History Month without talking about Carter G. Woodson, American historian, author, journalist and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Woodson started the foundation in 1915, after a visit to Washington D.C. for a national celebration of the nationwide emancipation. He wanted an institution to exist solely to encourage the study of Black history and Black life.

Then in 1926, he picked one week where it would be nationally remembered and honored, calling it “Negro History Week.”

The week remained something special but very unofficial until 1986, when Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which solidified our Black History Month as we know it today.

The law states that the observance of the month should, “provide opportunities for the Nation’s public schools, institutions of higher learning, and the public to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the many contributions of Black Americans to our country and the world …” 

The Lookout feels that though attempts were made to celebrate Black History Month at LCC, they fall short of what was intended by the people who gave their lives to get us here.

 LCC is hosting “Black History Learning Day” on the Feb. 16 and showings of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on the Feb. 15 and 22. But does that really inspire a true remembrance of all this month should mean, or lift up still struggling Black communities in any way?

The Lookout believes LCC should get a little creative with its efforts, and set a new standard for celebrating Black lives, culture and history to uphold our rightful reputation as an ally.

Ideas for supporting BHM from our team in future years include, but are not limited to:

• Opening an exhibit featuring Black historical figures (activists, innovators, artists, authors, politicians, etc.) and their works;
• A possible partnership with Black Mobile Museum;
• A Black business expo for small Black-owned businesses in Lansing;
• Fundraisers for Black organizations or committees still at a socioeconomic disadvantage.

We appreciate any and all efforts made, but we know that we can do more to keep progress going in the right direction. We need to make every student feel like an honored member of our school, and of our society as a whole.