Special Supplement to the Milwaukee Community Journal

Black History

The Significance of Black History

Black History is so interwoven into the total American cultural fabric that to pull its thread out would mean destroying the entire tapestry.

The failure of the majority historians to acknowledge this does not diminish its basic importance, richness or pervasiveness.

It does, however, rob all American citizens of knowing the fullness of their heritage with due credit and appreciation for all involved.

Black History tells the poorest Black children in America, and all children, that they cannot only survive, labor, react, adapt, adjust, produce and consume; but they can also think, dream, teach, invent, envision, explore, contribute, lead, perform, excel, establish, initiate, organize, win, flourish, reign, become despite great odds.

It tells every Black youth, and all youth, to take advantage of every opportunity to succeed; to waste neither time, nor talent, nor strength while they still have them; to strive, advance, work hard and consistently trust God and overcome obstacles; to become real sisters and brothers with racial dignity and unity.

It tells Black adults that their struggles have not been in vain; that God has rewarded their faithfulness; that they must not give up or become complacent, hopeless or destructive; that this is the time for rededication to the work and renewal of their strength and spirit; that they must live exemplary lives before their young; that they must make full use of their hard won freedom, rights and privileges born of deep faith in God, commitment, sacrifice and even death; that we all must keep on keeping on till we can all sing, "free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last."
--Otrie B. Hickerson, M.D.