Black is still beautiful

editor:	Ama Lorenz

The tradition of the Black History Month dates back to 1926, when African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the „Negro History Week“ in order to educate the general public about Black history and achievements of African-Americans. Nowadays it is a month of observance celebrating Black history and culture all over the world.

Many movements rose from a growing conscious of the black world since. One was the slogan “Black is beautiful” spread in the 1960s as an international campaign.The Black is Beautiful movement became the most prominent in the writings of author Steve Biko in his book, the “Black Consciousness Movement” in South Africa. It also led to the Black Nationalist and Uhuru movement of the 60’s and 70’s where the world would be introduced to legends like Malcolm X, Frantz Fanon, Marcus Garvey and Elijah Muhammad.

Still many people hold concerns about black history being delegated to a single month and the "hero worship" of some of the historical figures often recognised. Morgan Freeman, a critic of Black History Month, once said: "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Although there is some truth in these words, so black history is much more than only American history. Maybe the celebrations and events around the world are more in the sense of the words by Maya Angelou: "No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place."

Democracy Now! just published a newly discovered recording of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on December 7, 1964, days before he received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. He speaks about civil rights, segregation and apartheid in South Africa. We think a good reason to recall and honour the history.