February is not just about Valentine’s Day; it is also Black History Month in the United States and worldwide. It is a time to celebrate and learn about the history and contributions of people of color. Michael Carter, Senior Advisor to the President and Chief Diversity Officer at Sinclair Community College, shared his perspective on Black History Month with The Clarion.
“I have been at Sinclair for 23 and a half years and had several positions, but this has been my favorite one,” Carter said.
Carter describes Black History Month using the phrase from the ‘Our American Journey‘ exhibit: ‘Remember, reflect, and then react.’ He sees it as a time of ‘magnified reflection,’ a chance to focus even more on the Black experience he honors daily.
“It was originally Negro History Week. Carter G. Woodson established it to honor Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass because they were born in February, and it later became Black History Month,” Carter said.
Carter sees Black History Month as a time for reflection and an opportunity to assess what people know and do not know about Black history. He notes that having a dedicated month allows for concentrated focus on Black History Month, which is essential since it should be recognized and considered by everyone, not just Black individuals.
“People think about holidays more so during the holiday season in December. If you think about those things more during that time, Black History Month is the same, and it should be something that everyone is aware of,” Carter said.
He also mentioned that the Diversity office has a project called ‘black history shorts,’ which features stories about people he thinks most people are unaware of. These audio stories are accessible online through Sinclair Diversity.
To Carter, celebrating Black History Month is important because it celebrates all of black history and recognizes the contributions of black individuals throughout American history. He also thinks that Black history is generally well-celebrated.
“There are people who do not understand the need for the celebration. But if you do not do that, how do you find out stories about Tulsa and all the other stories that we may not be aware of, like Mary Lou Williams and people like that? So, it is important to recognize these stories,” Carter said.
Carter mentioned several figures and events in Black history that have particularly inspired or impacted him: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X.
“Because of the courage to speak out for blacks in America, especially during those times, you had to have a lot of courage because there is going to be a lot of pushback. Good chance Doctor King knew there was a good chance that he would be killed,” Carter said.
Carter’s mother was a Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, and his grandmother was a church pastor in 1936. His father was the first black jail warden in the state of Ohio. So, having these great people in his lineage inspired him to keep history alive.
As someone who never felt inferior or unable to compete with anyone, Carter explains that learning about Black History Month has profoundly shaped his perspective on the world.
“Because knowing from a young age and mainly my mother is responsible for this, I had a knowledge of self which allowed me to stay away from the lies that black people were less than, could not do anything, were not as smart. I never believed that because of what I saw from my parents and the stories they told me and gave me access to read about,” Carter said.
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Carter celebrates or observes Black History Month by holding many events during February, including a Black Unity conference every year in the first week of February. He also does a trivia contest at the end of the month on Black History, which engages participants in learning and reflecting on significant historical facts.
Regarding how this history is taught, Carter believes Black history is not adequately covered in schools, as many teachers lack the knowledge to teach it effectively. He notes that the curriculum often focuses narrowly on slavery and figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, overlooking the broader and richer history of Black Americans.
Carter also mentions the discouragement of teaching comprehensive Black history, which results in a significant education gap. He argues that Black history contains much more than the commonly taught narratives, and this lack of depth in education contributes to misunderstandings about the contributions of black individuals throughout American history.
He felt that the current educational approach does not do justice to the complexity and richness of Black history, which is essential for a complete understanding of American history.
Regarding a lesser-known story or person from black history, Carter said there are many, but Henry Flipper.
“Henry Flipper was the first black graduate at West Point. And no one talked to him for four years at West Point. No one talked to him because they did not want him there. So, can you imagine that? Can you imagine being here at Sinclair for four years, and because people did not want you there, no one spoke to you? Nobody acknowledged his presence,” Carter said.
Additionally, Carter mentions Isaac Woodard, a soldier who a police chief brutally attacked after returning from World War II. This incident led to President Harry Truman forming a civil rights commission, eventually contributing to integrating the armed forces in 1948.
According to Carter, individuals and communities can ensure that the contribution of Black people is recognized beyond Black History Month through continuous education, where history is taught the entire year.
He encourages communities to engage with local mediums, libraries, and historical exhibits highlighting black history. By visiting these places and participating in events, individuals can learn more about the contributions of Black people and share that knowledge with others.
He also advocates for a mindset of curiosity, urging individuals to seek out information about Black history and the contributions of Black individuals. This curiosity can involve personal research and attending events celebrating Black culture and history.
Cater recommends several local events, initiatives, and organizations for celebrating Black History Month: Wilberforce University Museum, known for its excellent representation of Black history and culture. The Black Unity conference, held annually during the first weekend of February, features various events and discussions centered around Black history and culture.
Carter hopes to see significant progress in the way Black history is taught and celebrated in the future. He envisions a time when Black history is integrated into the broader American history curriculum, eliminating the need for a designated month to focus on it. History should be taught appropriately and continuously rather than confined to a specific time frame.
While Carter doesn’t expect this change in his lifetime, he hopes Black history will be fully integrated into American history.
He points out that understanding the struggles and triumphs of Black people can inspire solutions to current social and racial issues, highlighting the resilience and accomplishments that have emerged from adversity.
His vision for the future includes a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to teaching Black history, ensuring that it is recognized and celebrated as a vital component of the nation’s narrative.
In conclusion, Carter envisions a future where Black History Month is no longer necessary because Black history is fully integrated into American history, an inclusive vision reminiscent of Dr. King’s dream. This Black History Month, take the opportunity to learn, engage, and reflect. Whether attending events, visiting museums, or seeking out untold stories, honoring Black history enriches our understanding of American history.
Esperance Amuri, Online Editor