I do not blame the Institutions for this phenomenon because they are in the business of making money and drawing more students into their doors. The blame should be placed on parents that distort reality for children by telling them that they can be the next Michael Jordan or Barry Sanders. If Black parents have not realized that their children can be more than entertainers then the community will never totally become what it needs to become. Teaching children to use their minds surpasses any athletic achievement. The acheivements made by Blacks are overshadowed by athletes and most Americans see Blacks as jocks incapable of meaningful contribution.
Black History month was suppose to be the balance to the stereotypes and myths of Blacks in our country. Instead Black History has become a month of silence and the information you get yearly is always the same. You hear about Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Civil Rights. Why is there a Black History month if that is all they are going to learn? If you hear information this year do you need to hear it next year? Is it the duty of whites to educate Blacks on their contributions? Or should Blacks take charge of the month delegated to them to reflect on their ancestors and contributions? I think the latter would be appropriate but how many Blacks know of their history? Do they know or have they become so diluted that Black no longer has a history but has simply become a skin tone? Black history has gone the way of St. Patricks Day which has become a day to simply drink and maybe have a few marches all in the name of the Irish. What a spectacle, a day to have an excuse to get stinking drunk. Drinking is an activity done on any given weekend, but that is what St. Patricks day has become. The same has happened to Black History month. It is simply a month that some Blacks discuss enslavement and others ignore. It isnt seen as a tool to improve community awareness or family. It isnt used to teach children that their ancestors paid a high price so that they could have an education and live as free citizens in this country. Instead they learn about sports heros, musicians and rap artist perpetuation the cycle of ignorance that keeps talented youth from excelling.
Black History month needs a face lift and the old leadership need to be put out to pasture. Black scientist, mathematicians, engineers, doctors,politicians, educators, musicians should be recognized and pushed to the forefront instead hidden behind a jumpshot.