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Black History Month keynote speaker Coach Herman Boone of “Remember the Titans” fame has cancelled his appearance at the University of Maine due to illness, but events like an urban fashion show and documentary series will present different aspects of black history to UMaine students.
Judith Josiah-Martin, director of multicultural programs, said Black History Month should be relevant to all Americans, regardless of their race, because it celebrates American history.
“Anything that makes my country better and the best is something that I need to embrace as a citizen,” she said. “I embrace the contributions of the native people to us as Americans. I embrace the contributions of all the Europeans who came over. How can you not embrace all of those people?”
“Everyone should be able to say ‘this is a part of my history,’” Josiah-Martin said.
Recognizing what she says is the misconception that Black History Month isn’t relevant to New England or to Maine, Josiah-Martin suggests students research the historical contributions made by New England’s black population. She cites Maine’s role in the Underground Railroad as just one example.
Forrest Dantzler, administrative aide for the Office of Multicultural Programs, said Black History Month is especially important in states like Maine.
“Being in a white-dominated state, I think there’s a feeling that a lot of people aren’t exposed to this culture,” Dantzler said. “I am honored to be one of the people helping to bring it to them.” Dantzler said new events such as the urban fashion show are important because they incorporate different aspects of black culture.
“We’re bringing a lot more to the table this year than last year with new programs and events so we can give UMaine students and the community a good experience when it comes to Black History Month,” Dantzler said.
“What I want people to take away from these events is that they shouldn’t only be embracing it during a particular month,” Dantzler said. “These are people’s accomplishments to the point where they should be honored throughout the 365 days of the year. Don’t come because it’s Black History Month, do it because you want to be exposed to it for your own reason.”
Alex Ortiz, fourth-year chemical and biological engineering student and president of the Student Heritage Alliance Council (SHAC), said the educational aspect of Black History Month is important, especially in a state with so little diversity. He said most students think of Black History Month as they learned about it in elementary school where they were taught the names of only a few famous black leaders.
“I feel that there’s a lot more to black history and black culture,” Ortiz said. “There are a lot of leaders that don’t get recognized who should be.”
Josiah-Martin said that as an institution of higher learning, UMaine has a responsibility to correct these misconceptions and expose students to every aspect of American history year-round.
The celebration of Black History Month has been a tradition at the University of Maine for 10 years, but Josiah-Martin said it is time to incorporate new voices and aspects of black history. She hopes to achieve this by “collaborating with other departments to help their African-American history programs be more substantive.”
The Women in the Curriculum program is sponsoring a presentation of “Standing On My Sister’s Shoulders,” a civil rights documentary that emphasizes the contributions of black women to politics, education, social work and other areas. Josiah-Martin said when people think of black history, they often focus on famous male leaders and ignore the role of women. “It’s an untold, unknown, unacknowledged story in American history,” she said.
This year’s Black History Month events will also foster the development of the UMaine chapter of the NAACP.
“The NAACP is concerned with the civil rights of all people and the value of having that on this campus is such that I would say ‘It’s about time,’” Josiah-Martin said.
“Standing On My Sister’s Shoulders” will be shown at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Bangor Room of Memorial Union. The urban fashion show will take place in the North Pod of Memorial Union at 8 p.m. Feb. 11. Students can visit the Web site of the Multicultural Center for updates and information about other Black History Month events.
