We're on the verge of
celebrating Black History Month. I have to agree with many who believe that
"Black History" should be celebrated and remembered throughout the
whole year (as should other communities and their history). Living in such a way where we can appreciate
and celebrate the accomplishments of each other while still progressing in a
common society can be an interesting web to weave, but it can be done.
Education is a topic
that is of importance today as in days gone by.
I am the granddaughter of grandparents that attended Bishop College in
Texas (it was an Historic Black College that is now closed). My grandparents migrated from the South in
hopes of a better life in the West. I am a California girl true and through,
however, as I see the significant accomplishments of our forefathers, I feel
we've lost ground when we don't support our African American educational
institutions.
I recently saw a
documentary about a school called Bordentown that was located in New
Jersey. It was a Manual Training
Industrial School from 1886 - 1948 (I believe the doors actually closed in the
mid 1950's). Some referred to it as the
"Tuskegee of the North." It
was a co-ed boarding school that trained its students in the various skills of
the day. The time period between the
Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement marked the height of these institutions
such as Piney Woods in Mississippi, Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania, Boggs
Academy in Georgia, Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, Snow Hill Institute in
Alabama, Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina, Palmer Memorial Institute and
Mather Schools in Beaufort and Camden South Carolina among others. This list does not include the numerous HBCU's
(ie: Howard, Hampton, Tuskegee, Morehouse, and Spelman to name a few) that have
educated many of our leaders over the years.
Growing up in
California, I was not as aware of the significance and importance of our
historical higher educational institutions as I am today. (Even though my
grandparents were products of such a school).
However, as a mother I exposed both of my children of the options that
were open to them with these schools. My
daughter attended Spelman College (she is currently the Vice President of the
Los Angeles Alumnae), while my son chose to attend a UC school here in Southern
California. I'm glad they knew they had
options and choices.
In 2003 I had the
honor of being the Founder's Day Speaker at Piney Woods for their 29th Annual
Founder's Day and the 95th Anniversary Celebration. Dr. Charles Beady was the President and I was
so honored to partake in that historic moment. So in celebrating Black History Month I
encourage all of us to make a donation to an African American Educational
Institution. If you're not sure how you can celebrate or honor Black History
Month, get involved with "Our Authors Study Club" an affiliate of Dr.
Carter G. Woodson. For more information
contact Mordena Moore at 310.745.8773.
Healing Without Hate:
It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it
on!
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