Like the Mythical Phoenix Bird, which rises out of the ashes; "Why is there a need for Black History Month" always comes forth. Even if this question goes unspoken, its dark shadow still hovers over the minds of many Americans, not of African descent.

I've even heard some form of this question, expressed by other African Americans. They would say such things as: Why must we always dwell in the past? Can't we just look forward, towards the promise of a better future?

Whenever I hear words like these being expressed, I would think of Carter G. Woodson, the founding farther of our Black History Celerbrations. Remembering what his life's work thought me. That understanding our past is essential for us, not only in undestandig ourselves as a people, but in understanding the world around us.

Dr. Woodson created Black History Week in 1926, because he knew that the Psychology of any people is drawn from their unique cultural experience, and can only be understood, through accurate knowledge of their history. Therefore, his reason for creating Black History Week was his desire to give African Americans a true and accurate image of themselves, as being part of the world, and human history. He knew that if the history of a dominant group was imposed upon another group, and the subordinate group's unique world historical experience was ignored, problems would occur. Therefore, the nature of the history that is given; shapes the perceptions a people have of who they are.

The fact that African Americans have so little commitment to the study of books on Ancient Africa, its Symbols, Folklore, and Mythologies is no coincidence. Carter G. Woodson understood that there could never be any true freedom for any Arican Americans, without an accurate knowledge of our long, and ancient history, a history which extends well beyond the period of enslavement. He understood that without self knowledge, African Americans will always find themselves dependent on the knowledge of others.

In his classic book, "The Mis-Education of the Negro", Professor Woodson showed us that "black History" is more that just a series of dates, and times. History, is what keeps a people oriented, and on track in a society. History continually passed on, is what perpetuates, and maintains the mind set of one generation to the next. A people's knowledge of their historyy helps them evaluate the world in terms of where they want to go in the future. Dr. Woodson saw the historical trail left behind by African Americans, as fingerprints of accomplishments, which define who we are as a people.

Only through the clear expression of our history, can we show how we earned our citizenship in America. All African Americans should know their unique past, in order to participate wisely in the political dialogues of this country. No people ignorant of their past, can ever function normally in any society, because a society cannot exist outside the mind of each member of that social group. I strongly believe that knowing the true nature of our history is the firm foundation African Americans must build upon, in order to become truly productive citizens. This process does not stop at the end of February, because the story of our ancient history is the story we must tell, day in, and day out, throughout the year.

Any community that is well grounded on its own story, that understands its origins, that is able to speak with its own voice, will reflect a stable people. No people can intelligently know what is best for them, and their community, until they intelligently know who they are. All wise people have a respect for their history. The past is always with us, for the present is nothing more than the result of an ever developing past. All history is current events, for the actions that were initiated in the past, has an effect on what is going on right now. Only through knowledge of the historical past; can the living present ever be illuminated.

Keith "Smokey" Johnson