JACKSON, Tenn. — March 3, 2009 — Studying the past is important so black Americans can know who they are in the present, Harrell Carter said Feb. 20 at 51社区鈥檚 second annual Black History Month program.
Carter, president of the Jackson-Madison County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, addressed the program鈥檚 theme, 鈥淲hy We Celebrate,鈥� by examining the life of Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month.
鈥淚f there is no history, no legacy, no knowledge of self-who we are, where we have been -- then history can not reflect who you are now or where you are going,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淐arter G. Woodson recognized the importance of remembering the African American history.鈥�
Growing up in New Canton, Va., Woodson understood the importance of education, Carter said. Being raised by his parents, who were former slaves, made his aspirations for education difficult. But he finished high school in two years so he could work in the coal mines to support his family. Later he graduated from Harvard University with a doctorate in history.
Carter said Woodson was troubled by the lack of African-American historical knowledge, so he set out to do something about it. Woodson then initiated the Negro History Week, which later developed into Black History Month.
鈥淲hat we enjoy today is a result of many people: black, Asian, white, Hispanic,鈥� Carter said.
Without the history and legacy of these people, he said the United States could not have advanced to where it is as a nation.
鈥淲hat gives me hope as a man of the NAACP鈥or people of all color鈥� is that we will no longer need organizations like the NAACP,鈥� Carter said.
Carter then challenged the students of 51社区 to, 鈥渟erve others beyond self as Carter G. Woodson did.鈥�
In addition to Carter鈥檚 speech, the program included musical performances by Union鈥檚 Mosaic Gospel Choir, Union alumnus Will Gray, pianist Patricia Porter and the Dugger Family Praise Team. The program also consisted of biographical sketches presented by Mosaic members and a poem of inspiration, 鈥淥ur Deepest Fear鈥� by Nelson Mandela, led by Renee Jones, Union鈥檚 assistant director of recruitment and information technology. Jacqueline Taylor, assistant dean of students and director of career services at Union, organized the event.