As we embark on another Black History Month, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People wants the Grambling State University student body to be aware of how far we as African Americans have come. We all agree that it is important to know what our African American predecessors have contributed and how these contributions have shaped America to be the country that it is today.It is imperative to be conscious of the obvious Black history icons, such as President Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. However, it is also imperative to honor the not so obvious Black history icons such as Huey Newton, founder of the Black Panthers, and Benjamin Oliver Davis, who was the first African American General in the United States Army.
As African American professionals, let’s continue to celebrate the concepts our influential forefathers conveyed in their quest for a better tomorrow. Let’s hold on to their concepts, embrace their struggles and strive to implement their foundations and principles in our lives.
Throughout the month of February, the NAACP will be committed to providing knowledge about prominent African American figures and their contributions to society. Every week throughout the month of February, we will have articles in the Gramblinite highlighting the accomplishments of various African American figures.
The NAACP will also host two forums throughout the month of February where students can voice their opinions. The forums will discuss topics such as what does the “N” word mean, racial tensions in America, and African American Culture as we know it.
The NAACP, which is the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, has been involved in the grass-roots efforts of this great nation since 1909. On Feb. 12 we will celebrate our 100th year anniversary, and we will commemorate our founders and their great efforts to end racial hatred and segregation.
Let’s work as a team and educate each other by using the technology that is available to us.
Let’s take the time out of our busy day to learn more about our history. As you research new facts about our forefathers, take the time to e-mail or text someone so he or she will all know the facts. Even though February is Black History Month, we shouldn’t just celebrate during the month of February. Our ancestors have overcome an abundance of situations for us to restrict them to a single month.
It is our responsibility to educate ourselves about African American history and celebrate our ancestors throughout the year.
Remember, “We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice”
– Carter G. Woodson , 1926