whats the purpose of black history month?
105017
Whats the purpose of presidents day, christmas, esaster, and columbus day, ect? These days are set aside  to celebrate something just as black history mounth is set aside as an attempt to celebrate contributations made by the black community that are so often looked over.
740324
I am not black but I would imagine it would be helpful to have people from ones own cultural background to relate to. Also a lot of what you get from college is connections and it may be helpful to network and develope alliances with other African Americans since things aren't always equitable in the world at large.
201843
I'm not black either but, most post i see if it's asking about a black person it starts off as the "N" word instand of the intelligent way of saying African American.That's not to say you can't ask a question about them.It's usually how it's frazed that "GETS" some people.
985845
because that time in american history it was immoral for the african american society to participate in any thing that bennifited the white races objective meaning vietnam
508754
The thing that gets me is that the Union flag (U.S. flag) was used at a time when blacks were slaves in the North too. George Washington himself owned many slaves under the colonial flag. I don't hear black people complaining about that! I think blacks look for a good excuse to look for something to protest about anything. The real reason the Civil War was fought was over the issue of states rights NOT over slavery as many believe. The Confederate flag stands for the South and the South is no more guilty of slavery than the Union flag.
125268
I never even knew that black people fought on the confederate side.  Why is there a black history month and not a Native American History month?  Native Americans were the first choice for slaves but European disease wiped out most of them and so the Europeans turned to Africa.  So I think I need a Native American Month.  And while we are at it, German American Month and Korean American Month for my bestfriend.  And I have friends from India so they need their own month too.  Who should I contact?
142283
It's important because it pays respect to the millions that died fighting for our rights. When our ancestors came over here they was robbed of everything, there language,nationality,religion,culture,idenity, and there way of life to be replaced with that of slaves. Millions were kill just trying to keep this, while millions more died just in slave ships. Just think what it was like being chained up force to walk hundreds of miles to the coast, stripped naked, put on a ship pack with a bunch of sick people, dark, and flowing with all kinds of dieases for three months.  After that they were separated from there families, then sold as slaves. Next they were work from sun up to well after sun down for the slightest mistake 40 lashes. With all of this they where still singing and was joyest people so what better way to pay respect than to remember and celebrate all that they did. Most whites don't understand taking away black history will make their stuggles go in vain.
362392
As a man of mixed race, I feel that the existence of black history month takes away from the achievments of the african american race.  It's almost like saying: "Since you guys did'nt do too much we will celebrate all your acheivements in one month and get it over with."  I think the acheivments of black people should be taught in context with the rest of America's achievments, why treat us special, are we no different than you?  As a native Bahamian, I think racial issues in the US are embarassing, and black folk hold equal share of the blame, I'll catch hell from it, but thats ok.  Back home we are all just people, granted most of us are black, a black man that calls another black man a "nig ga" is bound to get slapped, it is never acceptable, and I never got flack for having a white mother like I do in the U.S.  Its time for us to stop relishing in race, and be part of the human race.
464561
If it had not been for slavery, the civil rights movement would not have been necessary. \n\nThe purpose of the civil rights movement was to correct the damage done by slavery and 100 years of oppression that followed.
592193
The purpose of the Legends even was to show appreciation to African-American women who helped to open doors for the generations that came after them. Women like Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Tina Turner and Della Reese are all women of color who had to go through a hell of a lot to help women like me enjoy the fruits of their labor. It's about paying dues, honoring them, paying our respects while they are still living for them doing what they did in order for us to get to where we are. Thanking Della Reese for singing in the clubs in Las Vegas but having to eat and sleep somewhere. Thanking Katherine Dunham for walking through the back doors of the theater so that we could walk through the front. These women are most definitely legends and if it weren't for them there would be no us. If it wasn't for Ruby Dee there'd be no Halle Berry, if it wasn't for Aretha Franklin there'd be no Alicia Keys. Understand where I am going with this? The show was very nice and everyone there deserved it.\n\nAnd to barbara_in_missouri, you're ignorance is laughable. Why would someone of Oprah's wealth have to tape a show and sell the advertisements to pay for the gifts? If you would've actually watched the show you would have heard Oprah state that she did not tape the show to air on t.v., those were her own personal cameras that originally taped the event for her to keep as a keepsake but due to so many inquiries about the Legends ball, she chose to air it on television.
36819
What does this have to do with Valentines Day?\n\nAside from not having anything to do with Valentines Day, I simply do not understand your question.\n\nThe Black Pride movement happened in the sixties. The Civil Rights Movement was also VERY active in the sixties.\n\nI do not understand what you are asking in regard to "function with".
165299
do u have a history book? look in it. I am sure you will find some stuff. also, online check a search engine for afro-american historical events.
90383
It was initially proposed as Black History week, by Doctor Carter G. Woodson in 1926. and placed in February in honor of the birthdays of two men who helped influnce the shaping of black history: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.  It was later expanded to include the whole month.
1025202
As an African American, I'd like to quote an ex-slave named Frederick Douglass.  He made a speech which in part said:\n\n"What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy -- a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour."
326111
i would assume they have the same function as ANY newspaper... informing its readers about issues that are important to them.  in this case the majority of the readers are black.
281440
Yes. It ensured fairness to all, without the violence. It was an excellent way to show that the blacks were being unfair, without increasing the amount of hate they received.
29113
because martin luther king was born in this month