The Observer, February 3, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 15
Case should increase effort to honor Black History Month
Just over two weeks ago, Case was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service award. It was presented by the City of Cleveland, The Cleveland Orchestra, and Greater Cleveland Partnership, and recognizes the positive impact of parties who follow the ideologies of Dr. King. While the university may have been noticed for providing outstanding services to the community, the lack of commemoration for Dr. King – as well as many notable African Americans – pays an enormous disservice to the City of Cleveland.
As we enter the 80th annual Black History Month, it is necessary to question why this important time for all Americans has gone unnoticed at our university. While there are those who would argue against the need for one month to acknowledge Black Americans – they feel it will further enforce socially-constructed racial barriers – the fact of the matter is that the demand is greater than the dissent. And why shouldn't it be? From Case alone, several African Americans have emerged to change the world for the better. For instance, the late Lieutenant General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. – of the famed Tuskeegee airmen – became the first black man to earn a star in the United States Air Force. More recently, Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones – a hero in Cleveland – was the first African-American woman elected to the House of Representatives in this state. These important Americans have paved the way for future generations and deserve our appreciation.
Over the past few years, the only recognition of this month has occurred in small bursts through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, diversity programs in the residence halls, and discussions involving Case students on the importance of Black History Month. Sometimes, even the Case banners are removed and replaced with announcements. This month, UPB and Kappa Alpha Psi are sponsoring a talk by Harry Belafonte – a renowned actor and civil rights activist – but as of yet, that is the only event scheduled.
Providing more opportunities to learn black history outside of the classroom (for both students and community members) by inviting inspirational alumni to speak and creating additional awareness programming will promote a better understanding of how we have arrived at this point in history. If we are attempting to forge a greater connection with our surrounding Cleveland neighbors, we should – as a university – acknowledge that the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history have made a lasting imprint on our world. The campus community must continually strive to live up to the ideals espoused by the MLK award.
