Black history needs more exposure, residents say
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

With the possibility of an African-American president of the United States more likely this year than ever before in this country's history, many within the race are proposing more be done - especially in the field of education - to highlight contributions made by persons of color.

"African-Americans have done so much for the country," Cherokee County resident Anthony James said. "There are so many accomplishments that are never mentioned on television or in school textbooks."

Secondary schools across the state highlight things done by Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman and other blacks who had an impact on history.

But James said more should be done, believing a lot is not being passed along to today's youth in history books.

"If I were to mention names like Malcolm X or the great boxer Joe Louis, they would not know who or what I am talking about," James said. "There is a lot about black history that has not been taught to this generation."

"It is important our history be included," said Jannie Harriot, chairperson of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission. "It should be taught and discussed at all levels of secondary education."

Every February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, bringing exposure to people and events that helped bring about change for African- Americans.

A number of radio and television stations run facts and other tidbits at this time, giving credit to those paving the way for the freedoms enjoyed by all.

However, after the month ends a significant number of these "infomercials" disappear, not to be used again for another 11 months.

"Black history should not be held to one month. It is constantly being made and altered on a daily basis," Rock Hill resident Terril Drakeford said. "If you don't know where you come from you are destined to repeat it. If we only know about the accomplishments of other races, how can we learn about our own history."

While much of the emphasis is placed on black history, James said an overhaul of history classes would not only benefit African-Americans.

"America was not built on one race, but is a melting pot of people and cultures," James said. "This could be used to educate us all about what they deal with and special to them."

"This is not a black story or a white story... it is our story," Harriot said.