A Big 'Oops'

Dear Michel,
what a wonderful informative piece on Black History Month ! Your reasoning why you feel it is important, was the most eloquent, & passion felt response that Ive heard in a very long time.

It seems in the past couple of years, that it has become fashionable to diss Black History Month, as something of a dinosaur, who's time has come & gone. Like yourself, I'm of the opinion that it is still relevant & much needed. My only regret is that, I would like to see a more African Diaspora world history, instead of just focusing on the African American; I feel we need to include African as well, esp. ancient African history.

Also thank you, for including the meaning of other people's history & why in certain months it is celebrated by others, like (we) African American celebrate Black History month.

I love learning about other peoples history, being somewhat of a history buff ! To my mind it helps me to be more informed global citizen, esp. living in the 21centry. I'm so glad that you did in the blog(oops) include Native Americans, the first Americans, for they have been truly marginalized & most forgotten, a devoted listener Robert H.

Sent by Robert H. | 1:24 AM ET | 01-31-2008

Dear Michel,

As a Detroit resident, the concept of self-censure is so foreign. Here, our leaders feel shame, too, but only for getting caught lying and stealing.

I was ashamed when my Mayor failed to show up to the Conference of American Mayors meeting in DC last week. He was a no-show for his three scheduled appearances, including one group he was to chair, addressing the mortgage foreclosure crisis in American cities.

I guess Detroit is no longer predominantly African-American, as those who do not support our crooked Mayor are being labeled Uncle Toms, or not black enough.

Is the rest of the country this corrupt? Can you shed some light on the plight and blight that is my city of hard-working poor people?

I enjoy your program and perspective daily, and would love to have you lead a discussion about the unique challenges facing Detroit.

Sent by John in Detroit | 12:26 PM ET | 01-31-2008

Hi Michel,

Thanks for the black history commentary. I've heard a few comedians make fun about the shortness of the month dedicated towards black history. I've never felt that was a reason not to commemorate the accomplishments of past and living individuals.

To Robert H:

". . . I would like to see a more African Diaspora world history, instead of just focusing on the African American; I feel we need to include African as well, esp. ancient African history."

I wholeheartedly agree with the above statement. Even though my parents will be quite surprised I have that sentiment today.

From a young age, I was exposed to read about black history greats like MLK, I was also taught to study other Africans' works like Wole Soyinka (who suffered great trials for speaking out against his government) and Chinua Achebe among others. I had to watch documentaries and movies about African histories; which wasn't met with fondness on my part.

But as an adult, I appreciate the balanced view of both sides; what really makes me an African-American. I hope to pass that along to the next generation . . . some day.

Sent by Moji | 8:17 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Thanks Moji, for your comments.Case in point, PBS is airing a program "Prince Among Slaves"; Prince Abdul Rahaman has one foot in an medieval Africa Empire & one foot in American slavery,so to speak. We get a chance to see a African Prince, who grew up with refinery, culture, & who is learned (Timbuktu) before he was captured into slavery.

Another case in point;the February 08" issue of National Geograhic features on it's front cover "The Black Pharaohs",about the Kushite Empire (Modern day Sudan) that conquered Egypt, & ruled about a century as the 25th Dynasty, Now this is Ancient African history, that few people know about Black or white.

So It's seems we are finally moving into the 21century expanding into Africa's ancient past, I welcome this expansion of our collective history.

Sent by Robert H. | 12:51 AM ET | 02-05-2008

Michel, I really enjoyed today's discussion, thank you for the wonderful show.
To build on Moji and Robert's earlier comments, I wanted to share the story of Andy Razaf who I think deserved to be remembered for his contribution to peaceful revolt against racism in the 1920's. Andy Razaf, like his grandfather John Waller, made the most of his opportunities for advancement. John Waller had worked his way from slavery to become U.S. consul to Madagascar. Andy Razaf had worked his way from elevator operator in the Brill Building to become a significant lyricist in Tin Pan Alley at a time when few blacks worked on Broadway or in publishing. Through his lyrics (the most famous were: Aint's misbehaving, In the Mood, What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue) Andy Razaf peacefully denounced racism and provided a unique view of a black man leaving in Harlem in the 1920's. Barry Mauer wrote a beautiful piece on Andy Razaf on his blog: "Andy Razaf, Race, and Double Consciousness" at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/16878/andy_razaf_race_and_double_consciousness.html

Sent by Corinne Raza | 3:24 PM ET | 02-06-2008

I'm really enjoying your pieces on Black History Month, and the history surrounding the European Slave Trade, but will there be any recognition given to the Muslim Slave Trade in Africa, something that was set up well before the Europeans got involved, and continued well after it stopped as well. My mom is a history professor and she discussed this issue in her Western Civ class and she could see the jaws of the African-American students drop around the room because they had never even heard of such a thing. It seems like to be fair to all historially guilty parties involved, both sides of the slave trade story should be covered.

Sent by Grace | 1:37 PM ET | 02-07-2008

To Grace's point about the slave trade in Africa --

We did a piece about the PBS documentary Prince Among Slaves, which makes the point that the enslaved Abdul Rahman had probably committed others to the same hell that later beset him. I would argue that another equally compelling story would be about modern day slavery. We've tried to approach this a nunber of times, never fully to my satisfaction.

Sent by Michel Martin, host | 10:49 PM ET | 02-07-2008