Shouldn't white people celebrate black history month also?

Question

I think the term "Black History" excludes whites from celebrating this american historical event. Much emphasis is put on black people because they were the oppressed, and many whites were racist towards them. But didn't white people also participate with the Martin Luther King when he marched on Washington? Also didn't white people help slaves escape to the north through the underground railroad. Didn't whites also stick their necks on the line and were shunned by their own being called "N****R LOVERS" when they took the freedom rides to the segregated south and some were killed? Even though its called "Black History", isn't this a time for both black and white people to come together and commemorate the heroes (both black and white) who stood for truth, honor , and justice. Maybe its just the term "Black History" that sparks derogatory racial undertones, and thats why most white people ask, "why should we celebrate it?" Maybe change the name to "Afro-Euro history month". Thoughts??

Answer 1

Yes many races worked to dismantle segregation in the United States and other countries. Yes all races can celebrate black history month-there aren't any laws saying you can't participate in events.

But what some whites seem to forget is that the MAJORITY of people who have suffered for over a hundred years because of the actions of whites, are BLACK people, NOT whites. And yes, the majority of the present white generation haven't overtly held blacks back, but it isn't that far back that the large numbers of whites were holding blacks back (and some were killing blacks) -segregation was going on in the 60's and 70's in large parts of the country. That's not that long ago. Some whites act like blacks should just get over it, move on, and "assimiliate" and create afro-euro history month or get rid of a "special" celebration since that's all the past. How disrespectful can you get? I remember segregation, and it was ugly, very, very ugly, and violent. I moved to North Carolina in 1985, and off of a major highway, there was still a huge sign welcoming people to a small town near Raleigh, that said "Welcome to Klan Country". That was only 21 years ago. I also was witness to numerous Klan marches in every major city in North Carolina in the late 80's as well. They were recruiting members. In the past 5 years there have been crosses burned in black church front yards in Durham (near Raleigh), and numerous rural black churches have been torched in North Carolina (yes, it was arson). I think we can live with Black History month a few more decades at minimum, since obviously people like to discount what this country has really been like, and in some parts of the country, people like to discount what it really is STILL like NOW.

Answer 2

My kids do at school and there is very few blacks in the school. We also do fun stuff at home here with black history. The black people came up with so many new and cool things that we would never be able to live with out! We even have a party at the end of the month with cake and all and we share what we learned this month its so much fun!

Answer 3

Woody amma call you out cuz i dont like the racist crap...all races played major roles in the development of the human race. Black history month is a time for reflection on the struggles of Black ppl and teh movement towards social equality, not to alienate or discriminate agaist whites, everyone should join in the celebration

Answer 4

The term is segratory. There are several celebrations for different races and cultures, but each one bears its own segratory signature. If an individual does not wish to observe in any segratory observance that should be his/her choice. If some choose to celebrate, good. Don't make something of it and you'll be a lot happier.

History is for studying the lessons not to be repeated...not for reliving and wound-opening ceremonies. Celebrations should be for gladness and friendship. Questioning such celebrations with old divisions noted is not helpful. Think positive and celebrate the present.

Answer 5

I never knew that whites were being excluded from learning black history. I think that everyone should learn about the history of a culture other than there own. Maybe then people will become more tolerant and respectful of others.

Answer 6

I think that what the asker is saying is: Why are the white people that are responsible for the success of the black movement not recognized? Without the help of the whites none of the things that Negroes enjoy would be possible. And they are forgotten like a bad day. I am in no way agreeing with what they did. I am just saying they don't get any credit for putting their life on the line for people that don't seem to realize this. It just goes to show........

Answer 7

Ok white people celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day is different; but Black(emphasis on the word black) History month is for black people. Why should you all celebrate this month when you all were the ones who enslaved our ancestors. Black history has nothing good to do with white people. You all have every other Holiday to celebrate.....let us have ours. Actually you all run the damn world. So why not let us have 28 days to celebrate our history?

Answer 8

"But didn't white people also participate with the Martin Luther King when he marched on Washington?"

Have you researched the ethnic group and sexual orientation of these so-called "Whites?" You might be surprised.

Answer 9

No one excludes whites from black history month. Whites and Blacks and many other races sacrificed their lives for the rights we have today

Answer 10

I'm black, and I don't care about Black History month.