TERRE HAUTE — Editor’s note: February is Black History Month. Each day of the month, the Tribune-Star will present content that focuses on the contributions that blacks and their rich heritage and culture have had our communities and our country.
This is the first of a two-part series examining the creation and meaning of a monthlong celebration to recognize the contributions of black Americans in our nation’s history.
As communities across the United States embark on Black History Month 2007, questions that lay just beneath the surface of polite conversation may be heard bubbling up here and there — maybe not in mixed company — but almost certainly in passing, or behind closed doors.
Do we still need this monthlong celebration? Why? Who benefits?
And this one: Why don’t white people have their own special month of celebration?
The History of Black History Month
It started out as a single week — Negro History Week — in 1926.
Carter G. Woodson, Harvard scholar, author and publisher of many books and magazine articles on positive contributions of black people, launched the celebration 81 years ago.
History books and classes were full of the exploits and achievements of European and white Americans, but information about black people was scarce and often derogatory or false.
Woodson hoped to begin filling in gaps in knowledge about black heritage, to give black men and women role models. “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” he wrote.
In 1915, Woodson and several friends established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in Chicago — now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Woodson believed the sharing of black history would serve a dual purpose: “Besides building self-esteem among blacks, it would help eliminate prejudice among whites.”
When Negro History Week began, Woodson “often said that he hoped the time would come when [it] would be unnecessary; when all Americans would willingly recognize the contributions of black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of the history of this country,” according to the Chicago Public Library’s Web site.
The civil rights movement gained momentum through the 1950s, and black Americans had more opportunities to embrace their heritage. During the 1960s, there were cries “for more than a week to study black history,” according to the ASALH.
In 1976, 50 years after its inception, Negro History Week became Black History Month.
28 Days or 365?
In a 2005 interview on the national television program “60 Minutes,” actor Morgan Freeman called Black History Month “ridiculous.”
“You’re going to relegate my history to a month?” he asked anchor Mike Wallace.
Freeman was not the first to express that sentiment, but his words rippled through the media and other organizations, causing many writers and proponents of the celebration to criticize his opinion, others to offer qualified agreement.
In response to Freeman’s comment, Paul Hailey wrote in WireTap Magazine in February 2006, “Celebrating Black History Month no more confines the history of African-Americans [to a month] than the one-day MLK holiday confines the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or that St. Patrick’s Day confines the history of Irish-Americans to March 17.”
The ASALH, on its Web site, reconciles the problem this way: “In keeping with tradition, the association … believes that Black history, like American history, should be studied 365 days a year. Yet as the founders of Black History Month, ASALH continues to view February as the critical month for carrying forth that mission.”
Earle Harvey, 64, a Terre Haute social worker and member of the Terre Haute branch of the NAACP, said one problem with the annual celebration is that some may see it as “an excuse for not doing anything else.”
In a recent interview, Harvey said, “My concern is that many people think because we celebrated Black History Month, we’ve done enough … It’s the very beginning only,” he added.
Other area residents agree.
Anthony Butler, 34, of Terre Haute serves on the board of Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Coalition and the NAACP. During an interview last week, Butler said, “I don’t know if the rest of the races look at [Black History Month] as, well, this is going to be the only time I’m going to pay attention to what black people have to say, or to black contributions — I think it should be an all-year effort, not to discredit any other group in history, but just for the struggles that the African-American race has been through.”
Dharathula “Dolly” Hood Millender, 87, formerly of Terre Haute and now a community leader in Gary, said recently that Black History Month is essential “so [those who are not black] will understand another culture, and so that people who are African-American will learn to respect themselves and feel good about themselves.”
In agreement is Sister Dorothy Rasche, a Sister of Providence who helped establish a grassroots acceptance group, Terre Haute United Against Hate, Racism and Prejudice. Last year, Rasche, who said she was distraught after learning about racial incidents in the community, invited others to join her in bringing an anti-racist message to the Wabash Valley.
“The month is for the black community to celebrate but it’s also for all communities to become more aware and more appreciative — to take the diversity that we have and come to appreciate it for a real positive,” Rasche said.
Black Identity
In Woodson’s mind, black people young and old would continue to struggle in a majority white culture unless given plenty of information about their heritage.
Bettie Davis, 85, of Terre Haute, recently described her feelings as a young girl moving from a school where black contributions were on display and discussed daily, to a school where they were almost never mentioned.
“When I was a young person coming up, we went to separate schools, but we learned a lot at Booker T. Washington School about blacks,” Davis said. “When I left Washington and went to Sarah Scott [Junior High School], I felt out of place. Black history wasn’t taught in the white schools.”
While she has fond memories of her younger years surrounded by positive black role models, Davis said once she went to the white school, “I don’t remember the classes I took, I don’t remember the teachers; I was just out in the wilderness.”
Davis, known as “Mother Bettie” in the Terre Haute area, is a member of the local NAACP branch. She participates annually in an Underground Railroad re-enactment group and is a member of the Sisters of Providence Anti-Racism Team. She also is active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Beverly Daniel Tatum, a psychologist and the current president of Spelman College, in her 1995 book “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?,” wrote about the “hunger” of young black men and women “for positive expressions of identity.”
Tatum wrote that teachers may unintentionally limit discussions of black contributions to only a few well-known leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, without providing more examples.
“When I talk to educators about the need to provide adolescents with identity-affirming experiences and information about their own cultural groups,” Tatum wrote, “they sometimes flounder because this information has not been part of their own education.”
In her book, Tatum emphasized broader exposure to information about the black experience and black achievements in all areas of society to provide young people “a sense of security about [their] racial identity.”
Butler, who sometimes volunteers to read or speak in area schools, said he thinks all, not just black, children can benefit from talking to successful black people in their own communities. Black History Month provides a venue for such community sharing to take place, he said.
“If you stand there in front of them and talk about your experiences — even minority children who might feel like they don’t have hope, maybe their big brother or father is doing something negative in the community — you can provide them with … a better role model … I think that means a lot to all the kids.”
Tatum wrote that such opportunities, along with more information, prepare young people “to perceive and transcend race.”
Deb McKee can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.mckee@tribstar.com.
Black History Month
February 6, 2007
Black History Month has its own history of contention
- Black History Month
-
- Councilman’s plan: Help Terre Haute grow by working with other cities Neil Garrison, city councilman, has implemented a new plan that fosters unity between communities similar to Terre Haute.
-
Black History Month: Carter Goodwin Woodson 'Father of Black History'
Carter Goodwin Woodson, a black author, editor, publisher and historian, was born in December 1875 and lived until April 1950. Woodson believed that African-Americans should know about their past in order to cooperate intelligently in the affairs of our country. Strongly he believed that African-American history is a firm foundation for young Black Americans.
He is known as the “Father of Black History” and held an important position in black history in early 20th century American history. - Correction March 16, 2007 The Tribune-Star corrects errors. If you believe we have made an error, contact Editor Max Jones at (812) 231-4336 or e-mail him at max.jones@tribstar.com.
- There’s still a lot to learn When I sat in the first meeting discussing plans for Black History Month, I knew this was going to be a challenge. Although it was mid-January, something told me we would still need more time.
-
Capturing history while we can
When the idea for a month-long project on Black History Month was suggested, I was excited and a bit apprehensive.
Being a history buff, the idea of rooting around in archives and yearbooks, and talking to members of older generations really appealed to me. - Persevering over obstacles When I was in school, I remember reading Ralph Elison’s poem “Invisible Man” and not understanding why he thought of himself as “invisible.” But in studying a little about local black history I believe I got a glimpse of what he meant. I think for hundreds of years there was a feeling among the majority of Americans that this land was a white, European nation and black people, native Americans and other non-Europeans were aliens who should be kept out of sight — made “invisible” — by being placed on reservations, deported back to Africa, or legally kept in legally segregated schools or in different neighborhoods.
- Deming students send Black History Month out with musical celebration Black History Month went out in style in Deming Elementary on Wednesday afternoon as students and guests shared, in words and song, some of the lessons of the monthlong celebration.
- Black History Month: Phillis Wheatley Association worked to create dormitory for black women The not-for-profit Phillis Wheatley Association of Terre Haute was incorporated in 1923 to provide a dormitory for black women students of Indiana State Teachers College.
- Black History Month: Color barrier broken in Valley When a man asked Marcella Herndon, 74, if she would be interested in posing for a photo to advertise beer, she was a little skeptical.
-
Black History Month: Former resident looks back on his days in Vigo County’s ‘colored orphans home’
James Anderson lived at the “colored orphans home” east of Terre Haute more than 60 years ago, but looking out over the wooded and hilly landscape where he spent much of his childhood, it “almost seems like yesterday,” he said.
- Black History Month: Evangeline Merriweather heads toward historic marker Although Evangeline Evelyn Harris Merriweather was widely known in Vigo County as a teacher, writer and musician, it was her writing that likely will earn her a historical marker.
- Black History Month: Terre Haute barber Edward James Roye became fifth president of Liberia The man who became the fifth president of Liberia, Edward James Roye, once was known to have the largest barber pole in the Midwest, about 79 feet tall.
- Teacher, Democratic committeewoman still influencing city council Theresa Turner served in Terre Haute as a Democratic precinct committeewoman for almost 60 years, longer than anyone else in the city’s history, according to her family.
- Bell, renowned veterinarian, spent 20 years on Vigo County School Board Iverson C. Bell was called “one of the most contributing members of our community” by the late Mayor P. Pete Chalos in 1984.
- Terre Haute formed first black fire station in September 1891 The first all-black fire company in Terre Haute was organized Sept. 10, 1891, in old hose company No. 1 at Lafayette Avenue and Sycamore Street, according to Fire Department historian Tom Champion.
-
Black History Month: Valley resident became college dean, ambassador
Ambassador Cynthia Norton Shepard Perry, now U.S. director of the African Development Bank in Ivory Coast, was born in Lost Creek township in 1928, one of nine children.
-
Black History Month: Author of 5 books building legacy across Indiana
If there was one message Daisy Hood drilled into her eight children in the 1920s and ’30s, it was the importance of contributing to one’s community.
The message was lived by Daisy herself who, despite being crippled from childhood polio, was a well-known community activist and educator in Terre Haute during the days of black and white segregation. Daisy was instrumental in the development of the Charles T. Hyte Community Center, the Colored Day Nursery and the Phyllis Wheatley Home. She also sat on numerous boards, including the Terre Haute branch of the NAACP. -
Black History Month: Terre Haute native leads one of Navy’s most successful athletic programs
Paul Harris learned two lessons in one moment.
First, coasting is not an option while wearing a U.S. Naval Academy track-and-field uniform. Second, his coach — Stephen Cooksey — is quite comfortable standing out in a crowd. - Black History Month: Emancipation Proclamation once celebrated in Terre Haute Terre Haute’s black citizens used to celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation every Sept. 22 with a day off from work and school.
- Black History Month: Jenkins, scholar-athlete at Wiley, became Morgan State University president Martin Jenkins, who has been called a “forgotten pioneer” in the study of intellectually gifted black Americans, was born and raised in Terre Haute, where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete at Wiley High School.
- Black History Month: Colored Day Nursery provided care for black kids From 1908 to 1966, the Colored Day Nursery in Terre Haute provided care and meals to black children whose parents worked. The nursery was organized by a group of mothers to “serve the colored working mothers of the neighborhood,” according to the book “The Negro in the History of Indiana” by John Lyda.
- African Global Night set for Feb. 24 at ISU On Feb. 24, the African Students Union together with other departments within and outside Indiana State University will sponsor African Global Night to celebrate Black History Month.
- Black History Month: Mother Bettie is a TH living legend Bettie Eleanor Davis, 85, is a Terre Haute native whose love of young people and interest in sharing the history of her people have made her a local treasure. Davis, also known as Mother Bettie, is a volunteer and activist who has been researching and telling the history of black people in Terre Haute for more than a decade.
- Clarification: Feb. 13, 2007 The Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church congregation began meeting in a local home in 1837, prior to the construction of the first church at First and Crawford streets in 1839. The church was referenced in a Monday Tribune-Star article on the Underground Railroad.
- Black History Month: Wood craftsman spent his life in Terre Haute making violins It is difficult to imagine what tools he might have had access to, what kind of a workshop he may have had and how he learned to create one of the most intricate musical instruments in the world.
- Black History Month: Terre Haute native was influential U.S. pilot Willa Beatrice Brown left Terre Haute at age 21 and eventually became one of the most influential aviators in U.S. history.
-
Black History Month: Valley’s role on Underground Railroad still being revealed
In a day when skin color differentiated the masters from the slaves, many people took a chance by putting their lives in the hands of strangers, traveling hundreds of miles north through the Wabash Valley in search of freedom.
More information about Vigo County’s role in that system comes to light each day, but because of the extreme secrecy of the Underground Railroad, it’s unsure if its entire, storied history ever will be revealed. - Black History Month: Demetrius ‘Dee’ Ewing broke business barriers in Terre Haute Born on Halloween 1909 in Clarksville, Tenn., Demetrius “Dee” Ewing would eventually become the first black businessman to own a store on Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute.
- Black History Month: ‘Doc’ Jones helped pave way in Valley, was a ‘pillar of the black community’ Winton D. “Doc” Jones was a pharmacist and businessman with a shop at 13th Street and College Avenue in Terre Haute for more than 50 years.
-
Black History Month: Indiana’s first black legislator attended Allen Chapel school
James S. Hinton, Indiana’s first black state legislator, was one of the earliest students at the original Allen Chapel school in Terre Haute.
The Allen Chapel school was a “subscription school,” meaning parents paid for their children to attend. The fee at the school was 25 cents per week, according to a publication by the Allen Chapel. - More Black History Month Headlines
Video of M.I.A's Obscene Halftime Gesture
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Woman Pleads Guilty in 1987 Newborn Kidnap Case
Raw Video: Rough Seas Stop Oil Removal
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Test on Comforter in Powell Unit Shows Blood
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
Skaters Still Hold Hope for Dutch Marathon
First glimpse of Blue Ivy Carter
Absolute Lin-sanity
Angry Dad Shoots Teens Laptop
Hero Driver Saves Kids From Burning Bus
Funeral to be held for Powell boys
Kobe was 'rooting for Patriots' in Super Bowl
Sandusky on having to stay inside and people turning on him
Wookie Sensation
Woolly Mammoth Caught on Camera?
Sandusky makes a statement
Did JLo 'Assault' Marc Anthony on Camera?
Christie Brinkley's Runway Slip
Toddler forced to run half-naked in snow
Halle Wants to Leave the Country
Northern Lights shine above earth
Plane makes perfect belly landing
Kris Jenner New Face of Arousal Oils
