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Black History Month -- A Bell Middle School Commentary

In homeroom after the noise has died down, we listen to the daily announcements. A voice over the PA system recites the Pledge of Allegiance. We stand with our hands over our hearts and say it too. Since it's Black history month, there's a new addition to the announcements, Black History Fun Facts. For a moment we hear about the lives of people like Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman, but during the rest of the day we don't hear anything else about Black history.

It is extremely important that all people, especially African-Americans, know about Black history. It gives people confidence and courage to speak up for what they believe in. In American history we learn about Christopher Columbus and French explorers who claimed Louisiana. We never read anything about African contributions to America or the Middle Passage. We never hear anything about where we came from and what we did. Black history should be taught year-round, not just during one short month. Teachers must devote some time to educating students about black history. Like Dr. King said, "Now is the time!"

-- Sherlita Brumfield, Brittany Lambert, Kiondra Reed, Ariel Santana, Deanne White

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