ReMARCs: Black History-in-the-making -

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Opening ReMARCs

By Marc H. Morial

President & CEO, National Urban League

Often as I am giving speeches around this time of the year, I am asked this question: Do we really still need Black History Month? Without hesitation, my answer is always a resounding â€œyes.â€

Black History Month is more relevant than ever to respect and honor the people and events that have shaped American history. Unfortunately, most of our nationâ€™s history has been told from a perspective largely void of the input and impact of African-Americans. While we recognize that African American history is American history, this month is a time to celebrate and highlight the contributions of Blacks in America and to expand our knowledge of our collective history.

More progress has been made in incorporating Black history in school studies and our broader national narrative, but it is still necessary to tell our ongoing story â€“ as our history is still being made. We are innovating, breaking records, climbing corporate ladders, and ascending to the highest levels of government. We are also still fighting to make strides to bridge the persistent employment, economic, wealth and achievement gaps that plague our nation. We celebrate our history, while also recognizing that it is up to us to be history makers.

This month we are happy to announce our partnership with Ebony magazine to “Protect Black History.” Support the National Urban League with a minimum donation of $15 and receive a complimentary one year subscription to Ebony magazine.

Black History Month: Now More Than Ever

Ever since the 2009 election of Barack Obama as Americaâ€™s first Black President and the 100th anniversary of the National Urban League in 2010, the perennial debate about the need for Black History Month has intensified. Some have questioned the need for a special month to recognize the many unknown and unsung achievements of African Americans. With Obama as President, the logic goes, we have now achieved Dr. Kingâ€™s dream of a non-racial America where everyone is judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. I wish it were so.

Last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the passage of the Voting Rights Act. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the repeal of the Poll Tax. But unfortunately, the suppression of voting rights and other instances of racial discrimination remain. All one needs to do is look at the glaring disparities between Blacks and whites in income, employment, incarceration rates, educational achievement and health status to see that race still matters in America. Income inequality and equal opportunity are still part of the unfinished business of American democracy.