Brumfield: Black History Month: Hard work does pay off

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:07AM

February has long been designated a special time to honor the accomplishments of African Americans.

In 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson was the first to recognize the need to study and acknowledge the accomplishments of blacks in America during what was then called Negro History Week. In 1976, the celebration was changed to Black History Month and since has been recognized each February.

The cultural implications of Black History Month are numerous and play an important role in the pride, or occasional lack thereof, reflected within the African-American community.

For many years, the celebrations honoring the achievement and accomplishments of African Americans were left to the public schools. Unfortunately, in today’s economy many public schools struggle to find enough funding to provide basic student necessities such as textbooks and supplies.

Public schools have made it known that they no longer can be counted on to provide Black History Month bulletin board displays, related class assignments and school assemblies featuring a rousing speech by an African-American community leader, professional athlete or business professional.

The schools’ inability to continue this tradition should not allow this important occasion in our community to go unfulfilled. Other cultures would not consider allowing their periods of remembrance to be left to chance.

There are other institutions, organizations and individuals within the African-American community who should continue the tradition of Black History Month celebrations.

It has been well documented that too many people within the African-American community suffer with issues related to low self-esteem, which are manifested in a myriad of problems such as low test scores, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, eating disorders and black-on-black crime.

Self-esteem is an important characteristic that’s needed for success throughout life. Children who gain a better understanding of themselves and their history and culture become more self-aware and typically perform better in school and in life.

Black History Month is a time for all of us to pause and reflect upon the many important contributions of African Americans past and present, those who have shared a long painful history of struggle but found the fortitude and courage to overcome.

Events and activities during the month provide wonderful opportunities for children to learn about the success of someone who looks like him or her and to realize that hard work does pay off and that dreams do come true.

Such lessons can go a long way in influencing the development of self-esteem and raising a sense of awareness, pride and determination within the African-American culture.

The African-American community waits eagerly to see who has next!

Donna M. Brumfield, of Matteson, is a certified life coach and president and chief executive at Smith Brumfield Group LLC. She was Matteson’s village clerk from 1993-97 and is the co-author of five books dealing with issues related to African-American women and children.