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A scholar of African history and civilization, oral history and folklore, Black Studies, urban history, and African-American life, as well as gender studies, class issues, race issues, and the history of Black Theatre, Alphine Jefferson is a professor of history and chair of the Black Studies curriculum at The College of Wooster. He has returned from a yearlong study leave at Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Global Studies in Culture, Power, and History. Jefferson came to Wooster in 1989, after serving as Director of Black Studies at Southern Methodist University. Before that, he taught at Northern Illinois University from 1978-1984. He received his bachelor's degree from The University of Chicago and his master's degree and Ph.D. from Duke University. The author of numerous articles and reviews, including "Brothers of Blood, Sisters of History: The African Diaspora," Jefferson also wrote From Back Door to Center Stage: Blacks in American Theatre, which he co-authored with his colleague Annetta Gomez-Jefferson. Jefferson is a member of several professional organizations, including the Oral History Association, the National Council for Black Studies, and the African Studies Association. He is also listed among Who's Who in Black America. |
As the nation prepares to celebrate Black
History Month in February, Alphine Jefferson, professor of history at The
College of Wooster, offered some of his opinions and suggestions about the
event, including its history, its value, and its future. Please feel free
to use this information in its current form or as a basis for an interview
or related story.
How and why did Black History Month get started? Carter G. Woodson, who was among the first generation of African-Americans to earn a Ph.D., established the event in 1916. It started as Negro History Day and then became a week-long celebration before evolving into a month-long event. The original purpose was to enhance awareness about the contributions of blacks in America. What does Black History Month Celebrate? In addition to a celebration of one's ancestry, Black History Month notes the accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history, particularly in the areas of science, technology, and innovation. For example, the number of inventions by Black Americans is truly amazing, everything from the shoelace to the stoplight to the compact disk. What is the value of Black History Month? Black History Month helps people of African descent to become more aware of, interested in, and knowledgeable about their heritage. Over the years, it has helped to legitimize the ethnic history and identity of African-Americans. With the continuing strides made by African-Americans, is Black History Month still important? Black History Month is still very important because it links success with positive self-esteem. It helps young black Americans become aware of the many contributions of their ancestors, who like themselves, had to overcome obstacles and setbacks to become successful. Should Black History Month be more inclusive of other racial groups? Black History Month helps to create an awareness about and a respect for African-American culture outside of the black race. From that standpoint, all should be encouraged not only to celebrate but to learn more about the influence of African-Americans throughout history. What else can Black History Month accomplish? Above all, Black History Month should stress the value of education and learning. It should also counter the creeping anti-intellectualism in society and strike down the notion among young African-American males that education is not masculine. Are there drawbacks to Black History Month? I think there is a danger in glorifying the occasion and allowing the study of black culture and history to be reduced to just one month. It should serve as a catalyst for more study throughout the year. |
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| Last updated: January 10, 2006 · For more information, contact John Finn | ||
