NEWS: AFRICAN/BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Background:
February is designated as African/Black History Month in North America. The idea to set aside time to remember the achievements of Blacks was initiated by an Afro-American historian Carter G. Woodson in the 1930's, and was referred to as "Negro History Week".
February was chosen because of the birth dates of two key men in the emancipation of African Americans -the great Black Abolitionist and nationalist: Frederick Douglas, and President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the American Civil War--freeing the slaves. Even though Lincoln's real intention was to save the Union, slaves gained freedom in the process.
The name Black History Month was adopted in the 1960's in keeping with black consciousness movement. The month of February was kept because it has other historical dates of importance to African Americans. Today, the focus of the month has shifted from concentrating on Black historical achievements, to the global liberation of African people. Even though the evolution of mankind and early civilizations originated out of Africa, the continent and its people have been ignored. Consequently, many scientific breakthroughs made by Africans have generally benefited others at the expense of the indigenous African populations.
The Ontario Historical Society, formed in 1978, has been at the forefront of promoting Black History Month in Canada. In 1996 the House of Commons in Ottawa unanimously passed a motion by Jean Augustine MP (Metro Toronto) to note "the important contribution of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and deve-lopment and growth of Canada, the diversity of the Black community in Canada and its importance in the history of this country, and recognize February as Black History Month". February is now National Black History Month, and we use this occasion to celebrate a community that has been in Canada since 1604.
There is debate whether February should be called "Black or African History Month. Most progressive Africans are moving away from the "colour" label and starting to refer to it as African History Month. But, whatever it is called, it is contingent on what the community considers itself to be, and the significant thing to be asked when February ends, is whether the focus for human rights and dignity end along with it?
Synopsis:
In the film "Black History: Lost Stolen, or Strayed", actor Bill Cosby reflects on the many contributions Afro-Americans have made to the development and wealth of the United States–which have not been limited to arts, music and sports.
For example, the sugar refining industry was revolutionized by the invention of a Black man; the shoe-manufacturing industry uses the invention originated by an African-American; and the first successful open-heart surgery was done by a Black doctor. There were also Black explorers including the first expedition to the North Pole, cowboys, farmers, businessmen, teachers, politicians and soldiers. But these facts have not usually been part of the history taught is our schools, or promoted by the media. Below is a summary of some of the facts:
Black History Month Snippets:
Pedro Alonzo Nino, a Black man, is known to have been on Christopher Columbus’ ship on the first Spanish voyage to the New World in 1492.
Sailors of African descent were also in the company of Balboa, Cortes, Ponce de Leon and other early European explorers to the Americas.
The importation of Africans as slaves to the Americas began in the early 1500s.
Methieu de Costa, a Black man travelled on Champlain‘s expedition to the Atlantic region of Canada 1604 -1606.
The first recorded slave purchase in New France (Quebec) was in 1628 for a boy from Madagsacar (Malagasy Republic) given the name Olivier Le Jeune.
In 1685, "Code noir" or the "Black Code" became law and provided elaborate guidance on topics such as the sale of slaves, their religious instruction, training, and disposition of their offspring.
Slavery became legal in Quebec in 1709.
The British Parliament passed an act abolishing slavery in all British territories on August 28,1833.
July 31, 1834, slavery came to an end in British North America.
Harriet Tubman began the Underground Railroad across the border to free slaves in 1851.
Emancipation Proclamation was passed in the United States of America in 1863
In 1909, Matthew Henson a Black guide for Robert Perry was the first person to reach the North Pole.
Highlights of African American Inventions:
The portable X-ray machine, truck refrigerator systems & starting gasoline motor were invented by Frederick Jones
Dr. Charles Drew "father of blood banks" discovered ways of preserving plasma.
Dr. Daniel Hall Williams first performed open-heart surgery successfully
The self-lubricating machine was invented by Elijah McCoy --’The Real McCoy’ comes from his invention.
Practical incandescent light-bulb filaments were invented by Lewis Latimer.
The control unit used in pace-makers, chemical air-filters, and electronic devices for radios, Televisions and other electronic equipment were invented by Otis Boykin.
John Stanard invented the Refrigerator
The electric incubator, automatic air brake, telephone receiver, and the device to power trains by electricity rather than steam were invented by Granville T. Woods.
George Sampson created the clothes dryer.
Norbet Rillieux automated sugar refining
Jan Matzeliger invented a machine that made mass production of shoes possible
Peanut butter, linoleum, fuel briquettes, synthetic rubber and synthetic marble are some of the many inventions/ discoveries by George Washington Carver.
The spark plug was invented by Edmond Berger in 1839.
Alexander Miles developed the elevator
The turn signal was invented by Richard B. Spikes in 1913. He also invented the automatic gear shift.
The two-cycle internal combustion engine was invented by Frederick M. Jones
The exhaust purification device was invented by Meredith Gourdine in 1967.
Dr. Mark Dean developed the systems that led to the modern day personal computer.
Garrett Augustus Morgan invented the automatic traffic light, gas-mask, safety hood, and hair-straightener.
Benjamin Bannaker invented the first clock in the United States.
Black and white Americans alike have been exposed to a different image of "black" history. The main focal point of relations have centered on the impact of slavery. Slavery broke up African families, and the selling human beings in markets as commodities created an image of someone less human. The education system, literature and the movies have presented their perspective on the interaction between the masters and the slaves, and this perception of the races needs to be corrected.
Promoting and celebrating Black History Month is an attempt to compensate for the fact that the real history of African-Americans has been "lost, stolen, or strayed". The are many resources available on the internet to promote Black History Month, and the video: "Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed" can be viewed at the Multicultural Youth Centre, 511 E. Victoria Avenue.