Black History Month – February 2020
By
John C Abercrombie
The Celebration of Negro History Week was started by Dr. Carter G Woodson, who believed that once people became aware of the many significant contributions s made to history by Blacks, that were largely absent from the history being taught. People would understand the need for inclusion into history and recognition of equality.
Despite the contributions of so many people, there were many ill-informed people who believed in a stereotype that resulted from the gross misrepresentation in movies, television, books, newspapers, magazines and stories of the time. These depictions were conceived in the minds of people who were uninformed on the real Black Experience.
Amazing Black History dot com post weekly articles that show little known facts. Our intent is not only to expose the general subject, but to provide additional materials that allow for more learning in the form of books and videos. These allow for a more in depth look at the subject and hopefully start further study.
During Black History Month, we will be posting daily. Starting with the development of Black History Month and the founder, Dr. Carter G Woodson and showing some of the little discussed facts that distort the plight of Blacks. The study will include a study of the Plessy v Ferguson case that established the basis of “Separate but Equal” one of the most devastating decisions in the history of America to the Brown v Board of Education case that ended it.
We will also explore the devastating reality of living as a Black person in a world that diminishes the value of these people and ignores their contributions.
Brown is a very complicated case and will be explained in detail. In fact, Brown was 5 cases consolidated into one and is a significant step forward in a march towards equality of all people. We will look at the cases and the people behind the case.
Of course, you will want to save the site for study all year as we endeavor to bring you a comprehensive history of accomplishment and achievement that is both informative and inspiring.
Remember that to properly judge the accomplishments of people, we need to consider not only the heights to which they rise, but the depths from which they rise.
To date we have poste the following posts
February 1
The establishment of Negro History Week was started as a week long look at seldom shared facts from history. The week was selected because of the work of 2 men long associated with the freedom of Blacks in America, President Abraham Lincoln the 16th president of the country and Frederick Douglass and outstanding mind and orator in the fight for equality.
Later it was recognized that 1 week was not long enough and it was expanded to Black History Month in the early 1970’s.
The celebration is reversed from the founding dream. Some believe the study is done in the month of February, while the founder believed it should be all year long and the celebration was sharing of the information we had learned.
Black History Month Who Invented Black History and Why
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February 2
With the celebration of Super Bowl LIV (54) the NFL observed 100 years of operation. One of the largest sporting events worldwide, we see many people of all races competing. However, it has not always been that way.
While there were a limited number of Blacks in the early days, from 1934 – 1946, it was an all-White league. There were efforts to integrate the sport, but owners like George Preston Marshall were vigorous opponents of the effort.
It was not until 1946 when the Rams moved to Los Angeles, California into a stadium that was built with public funds that the demand for an integration took hold with 2 players were selected by the Rams and 2 by the Browns.
100 Years of NFL Football – the Integration of a League
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February 3
Here we take a look at Dr. Carter G Woodson and his efforts to bring attention to the attainments of Blacks in the hopes that once the stereotype was dispelled that we would move closer to the end of discrimination, the inclusion of the remarkable contributions of Black people, Places of significance and Events of significance that they would be included in main stream history and the need for a special week would go away, but sadly such has not been the case. We continue the concept of Dr. Woodson and bring attention to significant people, places and events in Black History.
Dr. Carter G Woodson – Father of Black History Month
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February 4
Dr. Woodson left a large body of work from which we take a look at. It is significant and done with the intent of showcasing such a brilliant man as Dr. Woodson.
As a youth, he found it difficult to get an education because of the hardships placed on the Black community. This is an outstanding example of the rise of a person. The intent is to show others of all races what is possible if you only get a chance to prove yourself.
Dr. Carter G Woodson – His Work
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February 5
Plessy v Ferguson was a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court. It was focused on showing the absurdity of segregation laws. Many streetcars had separate cars for Blacks and Whites, however the accommodations were definitely separate, nowhere near equal. It also required people such as the street car conductors to make the determination of who could and who could not ride. Homer Plessy was selected to challenge the law. Plessey was 1/8 Black, had very light skin and straight hair. He boarded the White car and was unnoticed until he declared that he was Black.
Under the laws of most states, this was legally his race while in some states, 1 drop of Black blood designated you as Black. This is an amazing revelation since it is estimated that over 3% of all White people have at least 1% black blood, more than the required drop.
There are many people who we identify as White who legally (using the definitions above) are Black. Why do we separate people by race and treat some so poorly?
February 6
We know that Blacks were enslaved in America, treated cruelly, denied freedom and forced to provide free labor. What we don’t see is the extent that people and laws worked against the advancement of Blacks.
Blacks were fully capable of learning but were denied because it would take away time from the hard labor they were providing. Learning would allow them to communicate with each other. Learning would allow them to study their rich history and know their value. In addition, without training in basic math, they would not be able to calculate what they were owed for their labor and in the case of share croppers the value of the crops produced.
Explore the devastating legacy caused by these laws and practices.
Anti-literacy laws that prevented Blacks from learning to read
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February 7
The subject of race is difficult to talk about. Even those who proclaim that they are race neutral have strong opinions on the subject. Because it is such a volatile subject, any suggestion of racism is negatively viewed by most people.
We also believe that White People who can have racist tendencies, but again that is not true. Todays post takes a look at the subject of race and racism that is seldom talked about.
Look at the post for February and vies the subject from a new perspective.
February 7, 2020 post
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February 8
Most people agree that slavery was a brutal and inhumane institution in America. Slave owners were more concerned with the free labor than humanity or dignity. The subject of slavery is tough to talk about for many reasons, however there is an equally harsh and undiscussed topic in American history. For many years Black people both slave and free were subjected to the horrors of being used to intimidate others.
Subject to being hauled from home or other sanctuary, Blacks were subject to being tortured, killed and mutilated for the entertainment of large audiences and to intimidate others.
Today we take the blinders off and look at this subject.
See the Post for February 8, 2020
Lynching – An American Tragedy
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February 9
We have looked at an American Tragedy, the Lynching of 1,000’s of Americans in the effort to hold an entire race in check. Make them afraid to challenge the unjust system that denied them the basic freedoms which America prides itself on providing to all.
In this post, we look into some specific cases, including Emmitt Till, The Scottsboro Boys and others.
Imagine how you would feel and act if you knew you could be tortured, killed and your body mutilated for such indiscretions as failing to step off the sidewalk and into the street when someone else walked by.
It is a horrible situation, but without realizing the pressure that an entire race was under, you can’t understand what it was like to be Black in America.
Who if not these victims embodied the principals of bravery?
See the post for February 9, 2020
A Look into the Terror of Lynching – Specific Cases
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February 10
We continue to look at the subject of Lynching. Yes, it is horrific, but it was pushed into your face every day. Local law enforcement made no attempt to apprehend the culprits, stop it or seek justice. The reasons were minimal and intended to intimidate. Yet, it languished in the legislative branch of government for over 100 years before it was made a federal crime.
People pushed for federal help because local efforts were lacking.
Subjects such as this are difficult to discuss but must be in order to get a full picture and to heal.
See the post for February 10, 2020
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February 11
What were the Fugitive Slave Laws? They were Federal Laws that infringed on the rights of Blacks. The law required even those people opposed to slavery to help capture and return any run away slave in any state. No proof was required besides saying that person is a run away slave.
The movie and book “12 Years A Slave” is just a story of such. Solomon Northup was a free Black who was tricked, kidnapped, sold into slavery and spent 12 years at hard labor.
Failure to assist in the capture and return was a crime and you could be sentenced to prison and fined. Judges were paid for the paperwork. $5.00 if the person was declared free and $10.00 if declared a slave. There was no trial.
Read the post for February 11
Fugitive Slave Law 1850 – A Disaster for Blacks
February 12
In previous posts, amazingblackhistory.com has looked at the horror of Lynching. It persisted for too long. As stark, brutal and inhumane as these acts were, it took the United States of America over 100 years to make it a federal crime. Local authorities did nothing to stop these acts.
In memory of those 4,400+ cases a museum was constructed in Montgomery, Alabama. While gruesome, it is a subject that must be discussed to get at the root of the animosity between the races.
We invite you to review this post
See the post for February 12
Note: the post Black History 2020 – A Study in Black History will be updated daily during Black History Month 2020 and will be available afterwards. To see the index, click Black History 2020 – A Study in Black History
February 13
The term Jim Crow often brings up pictures of Blacks being depicted in a very negative way. It was intended as a form of comedy, but there is NOTHING funny about it. Because of segregation in this country, there are large segments that have no personal contact and therefore form their opinions on the outlandish caricatures created by people with only one objective in mind, to make people laugh.
This post takes a serious look at the laws that are generally labeled “Jim Crow” laws, designed to belittle and demean Blacks, deny them the opportunities and freedoms granted to others.
Look at the February 13 post.
Jim Crow Laws – Black History Post
Save this post as it links you to the entire series that is being posted during the month of February 2020. You will want to refer to it during the year.
This post is updated and links to the daily posts that will be posted during February 2020
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February 14
A prior post looked at Jim Crow Laws. This post focuses on the caricatures that have been so devastating as they make fun of an entire race. Making light of physical features and without reason connecting them with a negative image of the race. It is not flattering and there was no intent for it to be. It poked fun at Black people. Many people, because they have had limited interaction with Blacks, then believe the negative propaganda.
To quote Robert Smalls, “My race needs no special defense, for the past history of them in this country proves them to be the equal of any people anywhere. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life.”
Read the post for February 14
This post is part of a series being posted daily during Black 2020. You will want to refer to this post again. Click here.
Save this post as it is updated daily during Black History Month 2020. It will be a source that you will want to refer to in the future. Share the posts and site.
This post will be updated daily during the Month of February 20220, so save it, book mark it, share it.
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February 15
Today’s Post looks at the practice of redlining and other factors that have contributed greatly to the segregation of America. Most people do not recognize the highly discriminatory laws and government procedures that have shaped the divided America.
Take a look at the post for February 15, click here
Take a look at the video and book “The Color of Law”
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February 16
The subject of Confederate Memorials is a hot topic with many supporters on both sides of the debate. There are some who believe they should remain; others take offense since it represents the worst memories of slavery.
Some statues have been the center of protest, some even removed. What is your position?
Read the post February 16, 2020
This post is part of a series posted daily during Black History Month 2020. To see other posts in this series, click here
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February 17
Previous posts have looked at topics that rarely come up. Today is no exception. We examine the role of Blacks as subjects of medical experiments. We look at the infamous Tuskegee Experiment where almost 400 Blacks were allowed to die despite an effective cure being available. These experiments covered a 40 year period and were stopped only by exposure in the press.
We see millions of disease bearing mosquitoes released in Black neighborhoods. We see people deprived of the financial benefits that come from their own cells, taken without their knowledge. We see many instances of human beings being used and abused for medical research. A true travesty!
Read the post for February 17 pow5 – Medical Apartheid
This post is part of a daily post during the Month of February 2020, Black History Month. Save or bookmark this link as it will take you to the listing of the entire series and you will want to refer to it again and again. For the Index, click here
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February 18
In this post, we take a look at a man named Walter Francis White, a Black man who looked White. Very light, blonde hair, blue eyes and able to go undercover and discover the secrets behind some of the most heinous Lynchings ever. Known as Mr NAACP, his work was invaluable. We look further at the phenomenon that most people avoid and that is Black people who appear White. Previous posts have touched on this topic when we see people like Homer Plessy, but in the videos, we look at a town that will absolutely saurprise you.
This post is part of a series devoted to looking at the range of impediments to equality. We look at a man who showed no hint that he was Black. Being Black is a legal term in America because of the laws, person may legally be Black in one state and White in another. Confusing?
Read the post February A Man Called White
To see an index to all posts featured during the month, click here. You will want to bookmark or save this series since you will refer to it again and again. Click here for the Index.
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February 19
Racial Identity
Most people believe they are experts when it comes to racial identity. Believing that they can determine a person’s race by sight. Yet, we see examples as in the case of Walter Francis White and Homer Plessy among others. Racial identity is a critical measure in our racist society. It often determines where a person can live, the school they attend and job they can hold. The list goes on and on
In this post, we examine the ability to recognize race. You will be amazed at the videos that accompany this post. Racial Identity
The stories you learn here are inspirational and intended to promote the greatness that l ies within all of us.
Make note of this post as it will be updated daily and direct you to the latest posts. It will be left up at the end of the month. Look not only at the 2020 series, but the large number of posts featured on Amazing Black History dot com.
To see a full listing of posts, click Blog List
To make suggestions and comments click Contact Us
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February 20
Today we begin an in depth look at the Brown v Board of Education case that reversed the principals established in the Plessy v Ferguson case that led to “Separate but Equal”.
It is difficult to understand what was being sought and the peril faced by the litigants without understanding the oppressive nature of life as a Black person.
Black people only sought a chance but were faced with obstacles anywhere they turned. Military personnel who risked life and limb were treated with the same hate and disrespect as all Blacks. Keeping in mind that it was under the effects of de facto segregation as well as De Juris Segregation that was so oppressive.
To understand the practices, we discover that de facto segregation is practiced by custom. As in the case of Viola Desmond who was arrested for tax fraud after being denied a ticket to the main floor of a movie theater in New Glasgow, Canada. There was no law against her being there, but it is just the way things were.
We have seen the brutality of Lynchings, which were often public spectacles attended by large crowds of Whites, including men, women and children. Often advertised in advance. The brutality was horrible, and it scared many people to see people tortured, mutilated, burned and hung.
We see entire industries devoted to these brutal acts, with people making handsome profits selling post cards of the spectacle and even selling body parts as souvenirs. The law against Lynching took over 100 years to become law in the United States.
On the other hand, there were cases that were written in the law, such as bus segregation. The driver used subjective judgement to make a determination of where a person could sit on the bus and was given enforcement powers by the law to enforce his/her decision.
While there was supposed to be equal under the law, there never was. It was said with a wink, a nudge and a nod. The physical schools were grossly inferior, the teachers given larger work loads and lower pay. There never was any question that the facilities were unequal.
Protest often led to the firing of anyone even remotely connected to the person. Relatives, friends and neighbors were subject to illegal firings. Businesses would refuse to do business with you. Those that did found themselves shunned by White customers. It was a brutal game and there were no winners.
No stone was left unturned in an all out effort to make sure that Blacks knew they were looked as inferior. Which was not true and only appeared so because of the oppressive policies in place.
Many people see the case of Brown v Board of Education, Topeka, Kansas and believe it was a Kansas case without realizing that it was s collection of cases involving several states. It was part of a plan designed by the famed Charles Hamilton Houston who in addition trained the premier lawyers who fought the cases.
It took tremendous courage to bring suit and we honor those courageous people who advanced the cause of civil rights for all people.
To review the previous posts on this subject, see the index which is a listing of all posts in the series posted February 2020 in honor of Black History Month.
The next posts will focus on those cases consolidated under Brown. See the complexity and courage that has moved us forward.
Click here for the index of previously posted topics. New articles will be posted with links on the same link, so use it to refer to the entire series. Click here
Next case: Briggs v Elliott – South Carolina
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February 21
Briggs v Elliott was a South Carolina case that was incorporated with 4 other cases to form the Brown v Board of Education case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1954 that overturned the “Separate but Equal” doctrine resulting from the Plessy v Ferguson case.
See the brave men and women who stood for their children at the risk of firings, physical harm or even death.
Most are not aware of the impact of evidence introduced to the case captured by Charles Hamilton Houston, the architect of the Brown case. Inform yourself!
See the post for February 21 Briggs v Elliott
This post is part of a series posted during the month of February 2020 in honor of Black History Month. It coveres many subjects that are seldom talked about, but that are essential in understanding the Black experience. Click here for the entire Index
Please share the posts and site.
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February 22
This post looks at Davis v Prince Edward County, Virginia and features the only student led case incorporated into Brown. So strong were the anti-integration sentiment that all schools in the county were closed to all students for 5 years rather than integrate.
This is an amazing look at the power of people to protest injustice and win.
See February 22, post Davis v Prince Edward County, Virginia
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February 23
Today we look at Barbara Rose Johns, the 16 year old civil rights leader who took on one of the most resistive school boards in the country and won. Johns refused to accept the status quo and the wait, and it will happen approach. She did not wait on the adults to do it. She saw a problem, devised a solution and most of all, took action to make her dream a reality.
Take a look at this remarkable person. A tribute to Barbara Rose Johns
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February 24
As we examine the cases incorporated into the Brown v Board of Education case, we have examined the cases originating in South Carolina and Virginia, including the role of the remarkable 16 year old Barbara Rose Johns in the Virginia case.
The current post focuses on Belton v Gebhart, a Delaware case. At one time there was only 1 Black high school in the entire state. It is apparent in this case as in others that the “Separate but Equal” doctrine was only a smoke screen to give the appearance of sincerity.
See the post February 24, Belton v Gebhart
This post is part of a series being posted daily during February 2020 in honor of Black History Month. The series focused on subjects that affect the quality of life for Blacks that is seldom discussed. However, it is impossible to truly understand the events without understanding the underlying events. You will want to save or bookmark this post and refer to the entire series frequently.
Click here to see the index to posts in this series.
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February 25
Bolling v Sharpe is one of the cases incorporated into the landmark Brown v Board of Education case, however there are differences in this case. The other cases Briggs v Elliott – South Carolina; Davis v Prince Edwards County – Virginia; Belton v Gebhart – Delaware involve states and are considered under the 14th amendment which covers the states making laws, but does not mention the federal law,
Bolling v Sharpe is thus argued under the 5th amendment
See the post for February 25, Bolling v Sharpe
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February 26
This post focuses on Charles Hamilton Houston, the attorney credited with being the architect of the Brown v Board of Education decision that reversed the adverse effects of the Plessy v Ferguson “Separate but Equal” decision.
The strategy was very involved. There was a strategic reason for starting with law schools, see why. Houston also taught most of the attorneys involved including Thurgood Marshall. Marshall later became the first African American on the United States Supreme Court.
This post is part of a series posted each day of February 2020 in honor of Black History Month. The series gives a look at the entire Black experience, without which it is not possible to understand the importance of the Brown case which is also examined in detail.
Click here for Charles Hamilton Houston, February 26 post
Click here for the index. See the February 26 post on Charles Hamilton Houston, architect of civil rights fight for justice.
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February 27
The focus of today’s post is the Honorable Thurgood Marshall. A name familiar with many, both because of his work on behalf of racial equality and as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Most lawyers never get to argue a case before the Supreme Court, but Thurgood Marshall argued 33, wining 29. An amazing record.
The post, books and videos give an amazing look at this remarkable man.
See the post for February 27, Thurgood Marshall
This post is part of a series posted daily during February 2020 series in honor of Black History Month. The speaks to issues seldom discussed, but are essential to fully understand the Black experience. It commences with a study of Brown v Board of Education. To see the entire series, Click Here
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February 28
Previous posts have focused on 4 of the 5 cases that compromise the Brown v Board of Education case. This post focuses on the 5th case. This differs in that most discussion focuses on the decision and seems to overlook the case of Brown itself.
Linda Brown was a 3rd grade student who had to walk past a White school, cross a railroad switching yard, then catch an overcrowded bus for a 2 mile ride to the Black school. Her father Oliver attempted to register her in the school 4 blocks from the home where she would be attending with her playmates.
There were 13 families included in this case. Check the post for February 28 to see that post. Click here.
This post is part of a series that examines many topics honoring Black History Month, February 2020. To see the entire index, click here
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February 29
This is the final day of February and the series. We hope you have enjoyed it and learned much. You have seen the 5 cases that went into the landmark Brown v Board of Education case. You have previously seen the Plessy v Ferguson which gave us the “Separate but Equal” doctrine which never lived up to its name of equal. It handicapped Black people severely.
This post covers the actual decision. We hope you will continue to see our weekly posts. Remember there are over 100 posts and the list is growing.
See the post for February 29 The Brown v Board of Education Decision.
To see the series list, click Black History 2020
To see the entire list of articles, click Blog List.
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