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photo by Kandi Thompson
Celebrating Black History Month
Remembering the men and women and their contributions
Published Sunday, February 7, 2010
As far as the Rev. David Peoples is concerned, one of the best outcomes of celebrating black history for a month each year would be to have it no longer confined to February.
“Hopefully one day it will not be called Black History Month, it will just be called history,” Peoples, the pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, said.
Each year across the country, schools, churches and other organizations dedicate the month to learning about historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Frederick Douglass.
But while Peoples thinks it is important to know the contributions these people made, he would like to see a time when black history, like the rest of American history, is learned in all schools.
“I think it’s important to look at contributions from every background and every group of persons that are a part of this great country,” Peoples said.
In many places, black history is not taught as it should be, he said. “At some places it is just not a big deal.”
Ironton resident Wilma Fox said it is important for young people to study black history.
“I’ve always been interested in black history,” 80-year-old Fox said. “But the young people don’t know what went on before their era and if they don’t know they won’t appreciate it.”
Malissa Brown said has tried to preserve as much of her heritage as she can.
“I’ve got a whole lot of memos to let me know what the black nation has done,” Brown said. “They’ve come a long way. It’s just good to know what they’ve done.”
Many young people today are not aware of the history, Brown said.
“I don’t think they know,” she said. “I’ve tried to sit down and tell my grandchildren and they look at me like ‘Grandma, what are you talking about?’”
Parents and families should take an active role in educating their children about history, Peoples said.
“I think parents can do a better job in trying to educate their children,” he said. “When you say some names, people don’t have a clue. I don’t think it should be left up to the schools.”
Many young people do not realize how far some of their ancestors came.
“When you’re living in an economically depressed area a lot of people give up hope,” Peoples said. “When people are educated in that area about people who have come through more, hopefully it should challenge them to kind of do something with themselves.”
The following is a list of Black History events in the area:
• “Gospel Night” will be presented by the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the J.B. Sowards Theatre of Ashland Community and Technical College.
• ACTC will present the African Drumming & Dance Ensemble from Eastern Kentucky University Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in ACTC’s J. B. Sowards Theatre at the College Drive Campus.
• “101 Years in the Life of Rolland Mayo” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Bowman Auditorium of Ohio University Southern.
• Shawnee State University will present a Gospel Fest 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 21 in Clark Memorial Library’s Flohr Lecture Hall.
• “A Night at the Apollo” will be presented by the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the main stage of the Paramount Arts Center.
• “Claim The Dream,” a one-woman drama, will be presented by Shawnee State University 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the school’s main theater at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
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Comments
Posted by Retro (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They forgot Bill Clinton and Moke Banks.
Posted by keta (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The idea of Lawrence County schools celebrating Black History Month is ludicrous. Most are schools that didn't allow students to see the president's address to schoolchildren when the new school year began - too controversial. Parents who wish it was still 1962 called schools and threatened principals and school boards, and they caved immediately. Nothing to celebrate here, folks.
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
keta...well-said!
Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Rev. People's view. I like to see black history integrated into the flow of American history, so as to see what was, what happened, what is going on now, and what are the possibilities. Enrichment programs, like the ones listed, are wonderful opportunities as well.
And I teach in a Lawrence County school, and my class watched President Obama with no objection. The first comment was, "why were people so bent out of shape over showing this?" Kids know.
Posted by slither (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why dont we celebrate american indian month , they are the ones that is getting the short end of the stick and you never hear them complain
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
slither...a typical racist response..oh wait, your next comment will be something about why we don't have a white pageant! SO typical! I've heard them all.
Posted by theguydowtown (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We should have a white pageant.
Who cares, let them have their 30 days of fame. We still have the other 11 months and possession is 90% of the law.
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sooo typical of Redneck thinking. Shame on you! "90% of the law." ???? What are you thinking about? (Scary)
Posted by acidburn (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Demi, can you please explain why having a Native American History Month would be racist?
Posted by yourkidding (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Blacks where not the only humans used as slaves, I am sick of the racial crap...they have the
"United Negro College"
"Black entertainment tv"
"Black History Month" what else does the Black Community want? if ther was a "United White College" A "United Indian College" The Blacks would be angry. I did not have slaves or abuse any person, my grandfather did not have slaves. So get over it, I tell my children about slaves, what they did and how they were treated. The White Slaves, The Egyptians, The Indians, The Chinese, The Jewish.....The African Blacks sold the African Blacks to the White men during shipping trades in Africa, What your history channel.
The Bible talks about slaves and so on and so on.....Why Can't we just live in harmony and go forward instead of dwelling on the past? I myself am grateful that I am free to live in America that we are all free to live in America, Africa enslaves their people to this day Watch the movie "Blood Diamond" it is a true representation of how it is in Africa... The Blacks in America want to be referred to as "African Americans" (note the word African) Can't you just be Americans? And by the way I am a Navtive American Indian there has been great injustice done to all of us in our history, But we have overcome it, so again I tell you let it go and you will feel the spirits of your ancestors free smiling down upon you that you and I are free in America... And they are proud that they made the sacrafice for their generations to come.....
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
acidburn...not what I am saying...you misunderstand.
yourkidding...shouldn't it be "you're"...anyway...your response is typical. I will not debate with a hater.
Posted by wakeupamerica (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People should be listed into two categories: Good and Bad. Which one would you be listed under?
Posted by keta (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The most obvious reason for not celebrating Native American month is that less than 1% of the population is Native American. This conversation is hilarious: the Bible talks about slaves and so on, so why can't we just live in harmony?
Symmes Valley and Chesapeake elementaries refused to show students the president's speech. Some county schools let students who wanted to see it go to the library or some other isolated place, so other kids couldn't go home and report to their parents that they'd been forced to watch it. The situation was too risky for school officials, who are risk-averse by definition. The whole thing was disgraceful and depressing, like living in Mississippi in the fifties.
Posted by yourkidding (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Demi.....You my friend are the "Hater"! People like you hate white people and that is why the black community has to keep reminding everyone that their ancestors where slaves. What do you think you are going to accomplish by reminding all the "Whites" that some of their ancestors had slaves, What exactly do you want from "White" People? Do you want to enslave them? Would that make you feel better? You my friend were not a slave and you will never know what it was like and neither will I...People like you are the reason that whites and blacks don't get along! So Debate that! And "Your" is just the user name! If that is all you could find wrong " U R Trying 2 hard!
Posted by slither (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i totally agree with your kidding you said it better than i could , people like demi is the reason she needs to look hard at her own self
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What an educated retort...absolutely nonsense. I did not write enough on my post for you to respond. Hate white people? That is ludicrous. No, I find a lot wrong with your post. The lack of grammar usage is just the beginning. You MUST be a teenager posting...I am a high school teacher, and many of my freshmen write like you do ...nonsensical and immature....sorry, I cannot continue to debate with the ignorant white trash remarks that are SO likely coming from down yonder!
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cashmere...I agree with your post...thanks for writing something that makes sense based on prior comments. God, I swear there are kids posting on here...!
Posted by wakeupamerica (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People should be listed into two categories: Good and Bad. Which one would you be listed under? Please to all try and keep comments based on facts and post educated responses. While everyone is entitled to an opinion and should be given the opportunity to be heard this world is full of so many people that are uneducated and have such a distorted view on things. Everyone should be proud of their ancestry but we live in the present and there are some that choose to hold on to the past. Blacks in general want to proclaim the injustices that they had to endure yet they themselves, their parents and grandparents were not slaves. The bottom line is we unfortunately live in a world where discrimination of all types does exist but rather than spending time trying to trying to complain about it work on doing what you can to make the world a better place for all. Your children will thank you for it!
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wake...I am not advocating holding on to the past. You are so right about opinions; sadly, some see their opinion as fact. And, I swear, some of these posts are so unclear and rambling nonsense, it's like a six year old is making things up as they go! lol
A good post...thanks..it IS appreciated!
Posted by Philo_Publius (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is big difference in why the racism against Blacks in this country garners so much attention, is they were actually owned by people....they were traded as you would trade a wagon.........That is immoral and evil.....we should never forget the injustices put on any ethnic group or race of people, but African Americans have given so much to this country even after being oppressed for 400 years, that we should take time to remember the wonderful things African Am. have done for this country...........philo publius
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Philo...you are my hero...great post! I am white, but so proud of the contributions in our culture from the black community! I hate racism. Sadly, it is still rampant.
Posted by Bombasta (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
quote,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
What an educated retort...absolutely nonsense. I did not write enough on my post for you to respond. Hate white people? That is ludicrous. No, I find a lot wrong with your post. The lack of grammar usage is just the beginning. You MUST be a teenager posting...I am a high school teacher, and many of my freshmen write like you do ...nonsensical and immature....sorry, I cannot continue to debate with the ignorant white trash remarks that are SO likely coming from down yonder
------------------------------------------------------------------------
While most people will never change their opinions, I hope you read the above quote again Demi. You state you do not "hate" white people, yet you end your statement with comments about how you cannot debate with white trash.
Well I thought for SURE I could debate with a High School teacher, but looking at your comments, you will simply wave your hands in the air and shout racism when you see that you may be wrong.
If I were a High School teacher and deemed your remarks silly and ramblings of an ignorant lazy African, alot of AMERICAN BLACKS, would be pissed off. Rightly so in my mind.
Watch your mouth.
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes...there is a lot (which is 2 words, not one) of white trash people...look around Lawrence county. Not all white people are trashy. Your post is difficult to follow. I don't see that I am wrong, nor am I waving my hands in the air. I am for equal rights for all people, even someone like you. Your interpretation of my post is quite baffling.
ooh..watch my mouth...now that is a white trash remark! Trashy people say this kind of thing b/c they cannot handle the opinions of others. I bet if we were face to face, you would want to fight to solve your problem....another type of redneck problem-solving.
Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for your comment on my post Demi. I've had trouble making sense of some of these posts, but I don't think it's right to make assumptions about the people writing them, such as "white trash" or "rednecks" who wants to fight.
Making assumptions about people is one reason that black history month was created. To honor those African American contributions in the past, and celebrate those in the present and hopefully change some outdated stereotypes.
I appreciate that as an English teacher, bad grammar drives you nuts. But I'm sure the newly freed slaves in 1865 did not have very good grammar, but still deserved respect nonetheless.
You give the impression that you are grateful to have escaped southern Ohio and now teach at a prestigious school and make lots of money, etc. That's great. I graduated from a prestigious university and am teaching at school with far less educational tools than your school offers and a smaller paycheck. I respect your choices, and mine as well.
You say that "trashy people say this kind of thing because they cannot handle the opinions of others". Yet when people have expressed opinions you don't like, you react with name calling and rude assumptions. You say that ignorant while trash remarks are so likely coming from down yonder. YOU come from "down yonder".
Posted by acidburn (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by slither (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why dont we celebrate american indian month , they are the ones that is getting the short end of the stick and you never hear them complain
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
slither...a typical racist response..oh wait, your next comment will be something about why we don't have a white pageant! SO typical! I've heard them all.
-------------------------------------
Demi,
Could you please clarify then what you had meant?
I am not judging, objectifying, or trying to insinuate anything. As you have mentioned, I am trying to understand your viewpoint.
Posted by crackerjack (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cashmere...wonderful post.
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, come on Cashmere, you know from the past I like to push buttons! You are correct...I am from "down yonder." I like to poke fun at it. My parents still live there and we laugh all the time about some of the people who come from there. It is important to be able to see the truth in your upbringing and laugh at yourself. There are wonderful people who live in all parts of the state. When I lived in Ironton (most of my life), I recognized the trashy part just like we all do. I just call it as I see it.
Your post is right on the money....I do make assumptions...but, so does everyone who posts here. You make the assumption that I am glad to have "escaped" southern Ohio. This is not exactly accurate. It was the best choice for MY family, but it is not for everyone. We left b/c of the lack of opportunities for our family. It was a personal choice. We decided not to settle for less living there. There are idiots here too, but most of them do not drive pick-up trucks! I do teach in a wonderful school, but I taught at an awesome school in southern Ohio too!
Acidburn...absolutely NOTHING wrong with having Native Am history month....I was not commenting on YOUR post. Move on.
Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Demi for saying nice things about southern Ohio. It's funny, I lived in Columbus for a number of years, taught there, have family and friends there, but it didn't fit me, and I liked it here better. Still like to visit, just didn't like living there.
And I DO see pick up trucks there - I remember a particularly snooty teacher who bewailed the fact that all these "Appalachians" had moved to Columbus!
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