(It's a little late, I know, but it's still important)
By Brett Zeigler
The Maine Campus
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Black history may not be a subject that weighs heavily on the minds of students at UMaine, and understandably so. With so little diversity in Maine, race is rarely an issue in the day to day lives of students. That is exactly why February is black history month. Black history month is a chance for people to see an aspect of American history often ignored and a chance for non blacks to get a better view of the black community.
"In Maine especially there are so few interactions with African-Americans, there's a tendency to look at blacks through the lens of the media which gives a sensational view of blacks," UMaine Sociology Prof. Marwin Spiller said. "Black history month gives a more diverse view of the black experience."
Some people argue that designating a month for black history does more to separate it from mainstream history, but Spiller said that, for now at least, it is a necessity.
"It is necessary to recognize achievements but only until black history is fully integrated into the school's curriculum," he said.
Spiller says black history month is not just a time for people to learn about the achievements of African-Americans, but also a time of introspection for the black community itself.
"Black history month is also a time to reflect on the status of black America today, and to look at the current status you have to look at the history, achievements and set backs coming from within the community. The black community should be critical of itself all the time but particularly during black history month."
Spiller uses the music community as one example.
"We should celebrate hip hop culture, but say to the artists 'what is this music you're putting out?," Spiller said, citing that some music is detrimental to black culture in that it promotes themes like violence and misogyny.
Spiller noted that, compared to other places, black history month in Maine "sort of just goes by," and although not widely recognized on campus the black student union and the office of multi-cultural student affairs are planning a few activities in recognition of black history month. On Wednesday Spiller took part in a panel discussion on the state of black males in America. There also will be a series of debates during throughout the month and the annual black history month dinner/celebration on the 21st.
In addition to events during black history month the University of Maine offers black studies courses year round. There is some doubt though as to weather these courses will continue to be offered next semester due to a lack of staff. Spiller, however, is not worried.
"The turnout has been really good," he said, "you know there's a lot of interest. I anticipate black studies will be around for a while."
The Maine Campus
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Black history may not be a subject that weighs heavily on the minds of students at UMaine, and understandably so. With so little diversity in Maine, race is rarely an issue in the day to day lives of students. That is exactly why February is black history month. Black history month is a chance for people to see an aspect of American history often ignored and a chance for non blacks to get a better view of the black community.
"In Maine especially there are so few interactions with African-Americans, there's a tendency to look at blacks through the lens of the media which gives a sensational view of blacks," UMaine Sociology Prof. Marwin Spiller said. "Black history month gives a more diverse view of the black experience."
Some people argue that designating a month for black history does more to separate it from mainstream history, but Spiller said that, for now at least, it is a necessity.
"It is necessary to recognize achievements but only until black history is fully integrated into the school's curriculum," he said.
Spiller says black history month is not just a time for people to learn about the achievements of African-Americans, but also a time of introspection for the black community itself.
"Black history month is also a time to reflect on the status of black America today, and to look at the current status you have to look at the history, achievements and set backs coming from within the community. The black community should be critical of itself all the time but particularly during black history month."
Spiller uses the music community as one example.
"We should celebrate hip hop culture, but say to the artists 'what is this music you're putting out?," Spiller said, citing that some music is detrimental to black culture in that it promotes themes like violence and misogyny.
Spiller noted that, compared to other places, black history month in Maine "sort of just goes by," and although not widely recognized on campus the black student union and the office of multi-cultural student affairs are planning a few activities in recognition of black history month. On Wednesday Spiller took part in a panel discussion on the state of black males in America. There also will be a series of debates during throughout the month and the annual black history month dinner/celebration on the 21st.
In addition to events during black history month the University of Maine offers black studies courses year round. There is some doubt though as to weather these courses will continue to be offered next semester due to a lack of staff. Spiller, however, is not worried.
"The turnout has been really good," he said, "you know there's a lot of interest. I anticipate black studies will be around for a while."
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