I appreciate this information. I am one of those adults who never learned about ASAlH and the themes of Black History Month. I definitely see how labeling months can be a way to reinforce performative rituals rather than reflective practice. Labeling gives the appearance of respect that does not play itself out in the restrictive systems that are built on disrespect and exploitation based on race. I am grateful for your weekly commitment to inform listeners of urgent issues via The Convocation. I appreciate all four voices--Diana Butler Bass, Kristin DuMez, Robby Jones and yours. Thank you.
I'm one of those folks who's old enough to have gotten through public school without being taught much about Black history. (To be honest I don't remember learning much history at all, except for the one teacher who put together "history tours" (class trips) to local historic sites -- a great way to learn history when you live in Philadelphia!)
Wow! I learned a lot from reading this! It explains the reasons for having Black History Month. I saw this week Morgan Freeman's criticism of Black History Month and this is helpful in understanding why he was wrong.
I'm curious what he might have said recently, but (as you may know) he has been critical of "singling out" one month as Black History Month as opposed to "All History Is Black History". If he's said something more/ else, that may be different.
He mentioned the fact that Africa is a continent and not a country, so the term "African- American" is inaccurate. I'm thinking his point is that who he is is not defined by the term. Denzel Washington once said that he is proud to be Black, but that's not all he is. I agree with both of them n this. Freeman takes issue with Black history Month as an insult and besides, it the shortest month of the year. Makes you think.
I just started reading The Spirit of Justice. Thank you for opening chapter 2 with the Doctrine of Discovery. I am a part of a group that is studying this and hoping to raise awareness of how this is part of white DNA. Our congregational church was founded on this doctrine. Lots of work to do in the Spirit of Justice!
I am now a paid subscriber. The information you are sharing here will become increasingly important over the next few years. Thank you for taking on the work of education.
After reading your article about ASALH, I felt my perspective shift. Now I see more clearly that Black History Month isn't about select well-known individuals and accomplishments, although they are also included. It's about a heritage of history.
I also appreciate the information. I suspected, but didn't know, that Black History Month had a theme, but wasn't sure about that, nor how themes might be selected, so thank you for filling in that gap. Looking forward to your (and others') posts this month and your Convocation Unscripted podcasts!
"The Negro National Anthem began as a poem 123 years ago: Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing" has a storied history and a special significance" https://substack.com/home/post/p-103034194,
Thank you for this great article! While I had known about Dr. Woodson, I had not realized all the iterations of remembering Black history. The links you provided are also wonderful and enlightening. I can honestly say that the only historical Black person I heard about in my early school years was Booker T. Washington. The 1960's brought new people into view but the depth of African American history in this country only began to be a constant part of my reading and learning was when, as an adult, I was getting my master's degree. I am so grateful for the generations of African American scholars, authors, and historians who have done so much to open this part US history. What a crime that there are reactionary governors and right wing fanatics working so hard to ban books and ban authors so that the fullness of our history can continue to be shrouded in half-truths and full out lies. Tough times. Your writing gives a huge boost of energy and courage for the struggle.
Always love your columns. It is so frustrating that a good number of people know little to nothing of Black History, how it started, who was involved, etc. this willful ignorance is unacceptable in todays info age - where everything is searchable and findable. Thing is - you have to want to know. By the way... what is going on with your proofreader? so many mistakes... come on. Let's get that together
Thank you much for this valuable information. I never knew about ASALH.
I appreciate this information. I am one of those adults who never learned about ASAlH and the themes of Black History Month. I definitely see how labeling months can be a way to reinforce performative rituals rather than reflective practice. Labeling gives the appearance of respect that does not play itself out in the restrictive systems that are built on disrespect and exploitation based on race. I am grateful for your weekly commitment to inform listeners of urgent issues via The Convocation. I appreciate all four voices--Diana Butler Bass, Kristin DuMez, Robby Jones and yours. Thank you.
Thank you for that information, gives me a better view of it's importance.
I'm one of those folks who's old enough to have gotten through public school without being taught much about Black history. (To be honest I don't remember learning much history at all, except for the one teacher who put together "history tours" (class trips) to local historic sites -- a great way to learn history when you live in Philadelphia!)
Today yours is the second email in my inbox talking about Carter Woodson, a name that is new to me, and I wanted to share a link to the first, courtesy of Good Black News: https://goodblacknews.org/2025/02/01/the-history-of-black-history-month-and-why-dr-carter-g-woodson-is-known-as-the-father-of-black-history/
Thank you for helping me try to make up for a lifetime of not being taught!
Wow! I learned a lot from reading this! It explains the reasons for having Black History Month. I saw this week Morgan Freeman's criticism of Black History Month and this is helpful in understanding why he was wrong.
Oh goodness. What did Freeman say?
https://people.com/morgan-freeman-explains-why-he-doesnt-like-black-history-month-8664297
I'm curious what he might have said recently, but (as you may know) he has been critical of "singling out" one month as Black History Month as opposed to "All History Is Black History". If he's said something more/ else, that may be different.
He mentioned the fact that Africa is a continent and not a country, so the term "African- American" is inaccurate. I'm thinking his point is that who he is is not defined by the term. Denzel Washington once said that he is proud to be Black, but that's not all he is. I agree with both of them n this. Freeman takes issue with Black history Month as an insult and besides, it the shortest month of the year. Makes you think.
Instead of criticizing, Freeman would do well to make sure that our history is being Taught in our communities.
How is he using his celebrity to insure that it is???
I just started reading The Spirit of Justice. Thank you for opening chapter 2 with the Doctrine of Discovery. I am a part of a group that is studying this and hoping to raise awareness of how this is part of white DNA. Our congregational church was founded on this doctrine. Lots of work to do in the Spirit of Justice!
I am now a paid subscriber. The information you are sharing here will become increasingly important over the next few years. Thank you for taking on the work of education.
After reading your article about ASALH, I felt my perspective shift. Now I see more clearly that Black History Month isn't about select well-known individuals and accomplishments, although they are also included. It's about a heritage of history.
Black History Month was a special interactive month when I was a school librarian. Did I have white students and parents complain? Yes.
I also appreciate the information. I suspected, but didn't know, that Black History Month had a theme, but wasn't sure about that, nor how themes might be selected, so thank you for filling in that gap. Looking forward to your (and others') posts this month and your Convocation Unscripted podcasts!
Some finds I'm enjoying:
BHM Resources from Christian Community Dev Assoc: https://ccda.org/bhm/?goal=0_7f6c34a2a5-efc9622592-300501294
"The Negro National Anthem began as a poem 123 years ago: Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing" has a storied history and a special significance" https://substack.com/home/post/p-103034194,
"Today in Black History" from the "'We Are Speaking'" Newsletter" (https://wearespeaking.substack.com) https://wearespeaking.substack.com/p/why-black-history-month-still-matters, https://wearespeaking.substack.com/p/today-in-black-history-dr-chancellor
Thank you for this great article! While I had known about Dr. Woodson, I had not realized all the iterations of remembering Black history. The links you provided are also wonderful and enlightening. I can honestly say that the only historical Black person I heard about in my early school years was Booker T. Washington. The 1960's brought new people into view but the depth of African American history in this country only began to be a constant part of my reading and learning was when, as an adult, I was getting my master's degree. I am so grateful for the generations of African American scholars, authors, and historians who have done so much to open this part US history. What a crime that there are reactionary governors and right wing fanatics working so hard to ban books and ban authors so that the fullness of our history can continue to be shrouded in half-truths and full out lies. Tough times. Your writing gives a huge boost of energy and courage for the struggle.
Thanks for this, Jamar. So much important history to still learn ❤️
Thank you for all information you give.
Do you know whether the Devine Nine have plans to keep the study of African history ongoing in our communities.
What are our churches doing about keeping our history alive now that it is being attacked in schools.
Thanks
You killed it at Spark this evening! The next time you are here, we have got to get you over to South Bay!
https://sobcc.org/advocates-for-justice/
Always love your columns. It is so frustrating that a good number of people know little to nothing of Black History, how it started, who was involved, etc. this willful ignorance is unacceptable in todays info age - where everything is searchable and findable. Thing is - you have to want to know. By the way... what is going on with your proofreader? so many mistakes... come on. Let's get that together