I like the idea of celebrating the unsung or little known achiever. We all contribute to society in different ways, and it is kind of fun to recognize lesser known accomplishments. For instance, maybe the first black bowling champion changed how other bowlers viewed African Americans in general. I know that this is cliche, but we usually can only change the world one person at a time. Collectively, we all amount to something grand.

I also like to champion the idea of using other holidays like Asian Pacific Heritage Month and Hispanic Heritage Month to explore and celebrate the accomplishments of those in other races.

There's a list of "bizarre and unique" holidays at http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm...

Also, how about interviewing people whose jobs are to recognize accomplishments? I'm thinking about HR personnel who scour resumes and CVs, wannabe Who's Who list marketers, staff members on "student/employee/citizen of the month" committees, etc. I'm sure that they would have an interesting perspective on this issue.

Sent by Steve Petersen | 4:07 PM ET | 02-09-2007

Michel,
Black History Month is a stimulating subject since knowing history is so important. When I was in grade school, my teacher, Miss Lemon focused on George Washington Carver during Black History Month. I was inspired by him the most. Miss Lemon was black & I'm a Scandinavian American (white, blond hair, blue eyes) and your piece brings up the question of how to integrate race into history. You mention that some people feel a separate month is "exclusive or patronizing". Morgan Freeman has said a separate month isn't necessary because Black history is American history. Statements like this really feel inclusive, uniting and honest. I always thought Miss Lemon could include African Americans in the same time-line as American history to give me a better context. I don't think a lot of people have "a problem with the whole Black History Month idea" as you say, but rather many want to have this part of history inclusive and not separate. And speaking of history, maybe your next show could be a piece on how much progress has been made to unite people in American during the last 100 years. Too often it seems like many people are living in the past. While knowing our history is important, dwelling in it can incorrectly color people's perception of the present. Living together in the present is the most important because we're all Americans and we can gain more by uniting. Asian Pacific, Hispanic or Scandinavian History Month would seem to create a lot of division. Yes, look at history and race issues and also give us an interview on things we have in common and ways in which we are all included. Be a uniter not a divider. I'm white and my girlfriend's black, but we're all Americans first aren't we?
Thanks and good luck with this new project.

Sent by John, Long Beach California | 4:39 PM ET | 02-09-2007

keep up the great work. this is stimulating material that feeds my intellect.

Sent by Ellen O'Connell | 8:28 PM ET | 02-09-2007

I took an African American History class last semester, and one of the things I found most interesting was learning the stories of African American women, and their role in the shaping of American history. I went to a public high school, and graduated in '96, and the only women we focused on were Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. It was a pleasure to learn of the impact of other African American women throughout history.

Sent by Meredith | 9:24 PM ET | 02-10-2007

I'm kind of torn on Black History Month. In some ways, it's sad it has to be confined to one month, and in some ways, at least there is one month where it's stressed in schools across the country.

Paul Mooney is funny but can be abrasive at times. At lot of people don't like hearing "Jesus was Black." I think this is twofold: White Christians object to this theory because some seem to see it as a childish tactic to get back at us for years of abuse by other whites throughout U.S. History. But there is also the issue that no one will ever be able to prove His race (we do know He was Jewish, but that's about it. He certainly wasn't European like most painters depicted Him).

I would like to hear about other "history months" like Asian Pacific or Hispanic. What about Irish-American Heritage Month? Sure, Irish aren't a racial minitory, but I don't think that that should matter. The Irish had to put up with a lot during the late 1800's and early 1900's. For example, I have Irish ancestors who have been killed both in railroad explosions and factory fires due to poor working conditions which the Irish were subjected to in the United States.

Sent by Scott K | 9:08 AM ET | 02-12-2007

This show keeps getting better. I look forward to hearing it on the radio.

Very few entertainers demand thought the way James Mooney does, but interviewing him is almost a heroic act.

Sent by Doug | 11:30 AM ET | 02-12-2007

I found this show extremely interesting. There are many valid comments above. I like the idea of focusing on a particular race in a given month and would also support similar celebrations of other heritage (I'm German, Irish, and Hungarian). However, I agree with others' assertions that this could have the effect of fracturing us when we should be thinking more and more as "One People."

I recognize that people want a time to reflect and celebrate their heritage, especially when they or their ancestors been subjected to intolerance in the past (or present), and I'm fully in support of the idea. (Although, I'm too young and, being white, have not had to endure what so many others have)

your commentor, John from Long Beach made a comment about integrating the "Black History" timeline with the "US History" timeline. This makes sense. I agree with this as it's important to have the perspective of all notable events in history that show the contributions of the Black community. However, I see no harm in having it held in distinction from such a 'Macro List' as well just because of the lack of attention that has been given to those individuals throughout history. They deserve a little special treatment.

I enjoyed hearing from your guests today. I thought Paul Mooney was a little difficult to follow at times. And, judging by how many times you had to say "What do you mean," or "Expand on that," I'm guessing I'm not alone in this.

Overall, excellent show, as usual.

Sent by Kevin Arth | Dayton, OH | 2:35 PM ET | 02-15-2007

Paul Mooney offended me. He is a divider, and we have too many of those in our country as it is. How could integration ever be considered a bad option? Should Rosa Parks have kept her mouth shut on that bus? I know he probably just says things to shock people and make them look at things differently, but when comedians like Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle poke fun at white people IT IS FUNNY. He comes across as bitter and prejudiced. His opinions and "jokes" are counter-productive to peace and understanding between different cultures and races.

Sent by Shannon Cowley | 12:39 PM ET | 02-22-2007

I think it would be interesting to explore the WAY African-American history and culture are taught (or not taught) in our schools, rather than focusing on when they are taught. I read a very interesting essay by Herbert Kohl on the way Rosa Parks is mistaught in our schools (which surprised me, as I was mistaught her story as well), and he recently published a book on the same subject (released just last month).

In college I was the only white person in my African-American Literature class. I had the great good fortune of attending a small academic magnet high school that had a very intensive lit program, so I had already read many of the authors we covered in this college class. Before reading a piece, the professor almost always asked for a show of hands for who had read (or even heard of) the author. I was almost always the only one who raised my hand, which prompted a class discussion on why these authors aren't covered in regular public high schools. Almost none of my classmates read any of these authors until they got to college. Why is that? I'd be interested on your take on this.

Sent by Holly | 1:48 PM ET | 02-22-2007

Loved Mooney. Delightfully provocative. Of course, Cleopatra came from the group of Roman/Greeks who conquered Egypt so she was more "white" than "black," but that's not the point. It's telling that some white folks are sometimes offended by the idea of a black Jesus or Cleopatra. Sort of like my Indian friend who I used to date who poo-pooed the Indian caste system as outdated and silly, but when I joked and told my family she was an untouchable (the lowest in the cast system) she immediately jumped up and said, "No, I'm not!" (We all had a good laugh about that one.) The point isn't so much whether Jesus or Cleopatra was white or black, but why their being depicted as black can be so troubling to some.

The recitation of achievements of blacks in history was a tad dry (and I'm black and dig black history). A street light is just a street light and a vaccine is just a vaccine no matter who invented it. American history IS black history and black history IS American history as Ralph Ellison pointed out. He also said every white person is part black and every black person is part white. So just listing achievements sometimes can't help but be a little dry.

Story is what brings it to life. That's why I loved that little tidbit about why Fredrick Douglas chose to celebrate his birthday in February - because he was his mama's little valentine. It was a story and it was nice.

Sent by Stanley | 5:43 PM ET | 02-22-2007

It is not important to me that this comment be posted, I just wanted to let Michel Martin and NPR know how much I appreciate her show. I have recently moved from South Carolina to Utah, a very racially homogenous area. I miss the cultural richness of south and find comfort and happiness in listening to your show. I truly miss the culture and liveliness of the south, only because of the strong influence and contributions made by the black community. I listen to your show all the time and also want to commend NPR on the diversity of its programming.

Sent by Laura Smith | 2:23 PM ET | 02-23-2007

I loved the segment on history. I feel, as a white student in America, that I was cheated by not getting the opportunity to learn about these things. World history did not include Africa and eastern history (that same class is now called "Western European History"). American history taught about white male accomplishment - and a few stand-out women. Please keep this going!

I found the Mooney segment to be hurful and divisive. This type of "throw a grenade in the conversation and see what happens" approach just shuts communication down. It's not provocative and edgy. It's hurtful and hateful. I'll be skipping his input in future.

Sent by Carol | 2:13 PM ET | 02-26-2007