In my last blog, I concluded with a probing statement that was based on my observation as a member of a community of practice in the making, I wrote:
Since learning is a tool for the creation of “practice and the inclusion of newcomers”, I can only wonder if the bowline experiment was after all, a rite of passage to initiate the group into a community of practice and welcome the once alienated into the shared domain (Blog # 2, 2011)
Since the penning of this statement, I have been wondering how it is a reflection of my learning experiences as I continue to be an active member of various communities of practice. In addition, it has also led to re-assessing the diverse learning processes to which I have been exposed to, and have had ideological, social and political impact on me as an individual and as a participant within the shared domains – a domain of common interest, where the competency of each member is valued, and there exists a reciprocity of learning – of my communities of practice (Wenger, 2006). One such form of learning is the much celebrated Black History Month, also known as African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia and around Canada. I have therefore decided to compose a two part blog that will seek to examine the role of Black History Month as an invaluable negotiating tool in the hands of people of African descent and how it has, and can be used to achieve the goal of becoming full participants in the affairs of broader society for the purpose of acceptance into society’s shared domain
In order to substantiate the premise of my discourse, it is important to examine the learning experiences embedded within the institution of Black History Month. Is the learning experience palpable enough that we can confidently subscribe to its academy? What observable learning process can we critically connect to this month long event that celebrates the “history, contributions and cultures of people of African descent” (Black History Month Association). Any attempt to build this case cannot be done successfully without delving into the history, and origin of Black History Month. This will be the focus of this installment of my two part blog.
The History:
Black History Month, as we know it today, is the offspring of Negro History week which was instituted by famous Black historian, Carter G. Woodson, the progenitor of the Association for the study of Negro life and history, the organization under whose umbrella the week was established (Library of Congress). Woodson’s reasoned that the establishment of Negro History week would have a twofold effect on people of African descent – the promotion of pride amongst black people and a window of opportunity for “greater respect for the African American community within the broader society” (Wells, 2004; Graves, 1998).
The inception of Negro week in 1926, which was subsequently celebrated through the 1940s into the 60s, became transformed and ratified into Black History Week in 1975 with President Ford urging all Americans to recognize the important contribution of people of African descent to the building of American society (The American Presidency Project, 1975). This proclamation will further become an important element a year later when Black History Week was expanded to a month long celebration, and President Ford in his message to the observance, declares that Americans have, over the last fifty years, seen a “significant strides in the full integration of black people into every area of national life” (The American Presidency Project, 1976). A decade later, the US congress enacted Public Law 99-244 which affirmed February, 1986 as the “National Black History Month” and this was further reiterated by President Regan’s proclamation. These developments were to be followed by various annual presidential proclamations and senate resolutions, all of which essentially affirmed February of each year as National African American History Month and that it is a necessary reminder of the “rich legacy of African Americans” and “their remarkable contributions” in making America the nation it is. (The Library of Congress and Association for the study of African American Life and History)
In Canada, Black History Month was observed in the 1950s through the efforts of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association in organizing events celebrating the contributions of Black people in the city of Toronto. It is also worth mentioning that through the “combine efforts of many individuals and the Ontario Black History Society, the city of Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim February as Black History Month, thus, re-enforcing the celebration into the consciousness of many around the country (The City of Toronto). An Ontario provincial proclamation will follow in 1993 and two years later, a motion was passed by the Canadian Parliament that officially declared February as Black History Month across Canada (Black History Canada, February is African Heritage Month and the city of Toronto). Nova Scotia celebrated the first Black History Week in 1984 through the efforts of the Black History Month Association. Today, the Black History Month (popularly referred to as African Heritage Month) in Nova has now become province wide events that showcase the accomplishments of people of African descent in Nova Scotian. This event is now being celebrated across the world to commemorate the contributions of people of African descents to the different societies to which they belong.
I am sure we can all agree that the passage of time has, without a doubt, brought about the evolution of the ideals for celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of people of African descent within the institution of Black History Month. Nevertheless, the underpinning principles behind its mandate remain an uncompromised cornerstone.
References:
Cox, J. (2004). February is Black History Month, Human Rights Office, George Brown College
Graves, K.L., (1998). Outflanking Oppression: African American Contributions to Critical Pedagogy
as Developed in the Scholarship of W.E.B. DuBois and Carter G. Woodson. American Educational Research Association.
Wenger. E. (2006). Communities of practice: a brief introduction:
retrieved Feb 7, 2011 from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm
Wells, B. (2004). Reflections on Black History Month: there is still progress to be made. Black
Issues Higher Education, Cox, Matthews & Associates, Inc., Fairfax, VA
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