Why Black History Month is in February

This is a question that I'm sure some think about come this time of year. Of course, the general consensus is because it is the shortest month of the year. Though this makes since, I have yet to find true evidence from credible sources backing this assumption. However, after having a conversation with one of my friends about this matter, we came to a conclusion that not only is Black History Month celebrated in February because it is the shortest month, but because it also has other occasions that take away from learning and appreciating Black achievement.

Distraction #1 Super Bowl - Every since the league gave teams two weeks to prepare for the Super Bowl, most of the games have been played in the first couple of days of February. Though this game only takes away a few days of Black History celebration, the problem lies in the commercials. The Super Bowl is a great platform for airing a commercial or 4 on Black History yet you rarely see one commercial that does so. Why?
Distraction #2 Valentines Day - The first half of the month is usually spent by people making or finding something to give their significant other for this day. This one day potentially overshadows two whole weeks of learning, realizing, and/or appreciating African-American achievement.
Distraction #3 Presidents Day - If you can recall your younger days in school, it was around this time that you were learning about the Presidents (Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson...) and/or getting ready to perform a play about them. So this day took up another week that could have been used for celebrating Black achievement.

This leaves you with one week left in February. Ironically, Black History Month started out as Negro History Week...guess now you know why!

Seems like year after year this month goes by without any celebration or recognition of African-American achievement. A solution is to make people aware of this and do something about it. Bring up facts to co-workers, classmates, family members or anyone else you might have a casual conversation. "They're" only giving us [African-Americans] 28/29 days to celebrate so lets make the most of it and spread the knowledge so that it doesn't go to waste. Learn about a black achievement that occurred each and every day this month. Black History...365!

"I Make Black History Everyday, I don't Need a Month!" - K. West

Noose on Cover of Magazine

What is the US coming too? As Martin Luther King, Jr Day approaches, a golf magazine has decided to celebrate it by posting a noose on the cover of its' magazine. YES A NOOSE! This appalling image has to deal with the Kelly Tilgham comment she made about Tiger Woods (said the only way to beat Tiger is to "lynch him [Tiger Woods] in a back alley") and is an effort by the editor to bring attention to the lack of diversity in golf (Read the article).


I applaud the magazine (Golfweek) for discussing the issue, but putting a noose on the cover of your magazine to "draw attention" to this issue is highly offensive and shows a lack of creativity, critical thinking and diversity amongst the staff. My question: If it wasn't OK for Tilgham to make that comment about the noose, what make you think it's OK to put that image on your cover? I like how they make the effort to discuss the lack of diversity in golf, but the image of a noose on the cover only shows ignorance on Golfweek's behalf and instead of promoting "intellectual dialogue," it increases controversy and anger towards the subject and the magazine from people of many different races.

Happy Martin Luther King Day

No thanks, I don't drink!

"No thanks, I don't drink!" This was the phrase I used everyday during my summer in the DC metro area. Yet, instead of just being left alone, I usually received a puzzling look and then was either bombarded by a lot of questions about my non-drinking habits or urged to drink. The questions I don't really mind, but the look...come on now. Don't give me no dumb look when I tell you I don't drink, like I just committed a crime or something. Last time I checked, drinking isn't good for your body and me not doing that should be a good thing, but i guess to some it isn't. After telling someone this, the main question they always asked was "Why don't you drink?" I'm no stranger to this question so I already have a prepared response for that, "I don't have a need to, why do you?" I have a harsher response, but that's only for those future alcoholics.

For all my non-drinkers out there, this is very important. If your ever asked the question, "Why?" answer it, but always end with why do you? They never have a good response for it. I no I no, its hard to find other non-drinkers out there and hard to find fun places to meet new people. It's a shame. It seems like there's nothing that people can do without involving alcohol. Companies have sponsored happy hours on and off the job, social groups have sponsored bar nights, can't go to a party without there being alcohol or drunk people, can't even go to a restaurant with friends without people buying drinks. Seems like the only place to possibly find non-drinkers is church. But we're out there. We're just very...very hard to find.

Now I don't knock anyone that drinks, about 95% of my friends drink, and I got mad love for my friends. But that's cool, do what you do I'm not gonna judge you, but please if I say I don't drink, don't look at me dumb, respect it and let's move on. But if you can give me a great reason on why to drink, I would love to hear it.