Nancy DeFrates-Densch, Northern Illinois University
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Every year, Hopkins High School uses this as an opportunity to celebrate African American culture. Inspirational speakers are brought in for at least two assemblies. Brief historical facts regarding African Americans are incorporated into the daily announcements. Classes in all content areas focus on the contributions of African Americans. Students create projects that further explore African American culture. For example, students in Foods classes re-create traditional African and African American dishes. Art students create pieces that mimic African art or reflect African American culture. At the end of the month, an African American culture fair is held to showcase student projects. In the past, this has been an exciting time of year for studentsa welcome break from the tedium of the regular curriculum. However, this year things appear to be different. Recent restructuring of the district has resulted in greater ethnic diversity in the student population. Overall, this has been a positive thing. However, February is approaching and some students and parents are grumbling about the celebration of Black History Month. In fact, a group of students and parents is complaining to the school board about this practice at tonights meeting. During the opportunity for citizens to address the school board, people speak for and against the celebration. Several parents and students speak in support of Hopkins Highs celebration, pointing out the dearth of African Americans discussed in the regular curriculum and how important it is that all students be aware of the contributions African Americans have made. In addition, many students discuss how much they enjoy February because of this celebration. However, other people dissent: If we are going to celebrate Black History Month, then I think we should celebrate Mexican-American History Month, too. Im Portuguese; I think we deserve a month, too. After all, if it hadnt been for Portuguese explorers, where would we be today? Well, Im Irish, and the Irish have certainly made major contributions both to American culture and to our community. Why isnt there an Irish History Month? What about us Chinese? Without us, where would the rail system be? Yeah, and how about Japanese Americans? Why should our kids celebrate Black History Month, when the only thing about us in the history books is negative? They dont even mention the internment camps during World War II. This is insane. The board carefully considers the comments. They later tell those in attendance that they will not address the issue, as it is a decision that must be made by the faculty at Hopkins High, not one to be made by the school board. The principal does not want to make this decision alone, so she establishes a committee to discuss what to do. 1. What are the issues in this case? 2. What do you think of Hopkins High Schools celebration of Black History Month? Why? 3. Given what students and parents have had to say about the issue, should they continue the practice? Why or why not? 4. What could be done to ensure that all ethnic groups feel represented in the curriculum?