Opinion: The Value In Black History

By Ron Brown

In discussing black history with a colleague, I was momentarily paralyzed by a question I had not heard before, a question I had never before contemplated. "Where's the value in black history?" I instinctively knew the answer: "Black history's value is in education."

The facts exhibited and the knowledge gained during Black History Month are not intended solely for black Americans. The celebration of the human spirit and the will to succeed despite the worst odds can, and should be, inspiration for all. To see the courage to be different on a new level, to excel and not simply exist and to have the perseverance to focus on and chase down a dream could motivate the most uninspired hearts. People of all races need to hear stories of those accomplishing great and miraculous things, especially when the achievers were judged right stuff-deficient.

With historical information come questions. Riding shotgun with education is miseducation. Black History Month presents an opportunity to disperse historical data from a different perspective. Because, as has been said, "We know so many things that aren't so." So be mindful that if to the victor go the spoils, it stands to reason that so does the written account of what took place.

African Americans have made significant contributions throughout history in every society and on all levels - they've fought in every war America has fought, and they've had to fight for the right to fight. With the political climate as it is, with terrorism on the home front and talk of war with Iraq, perhaps now would be a good time to give thanks. If you or a loved one need a blood transfusion, fortunately for you the process for storing blood plasma exists thanks to Dr. Charles Drew, who, ironically, was denied a blood transfusion because of the color of his skin and subsequently died. Or perhaps even more timely, thank Garrett Augustus Morgan, inventor of the gas mask, on which all future gas masks were based. But if you do get a gas mask, make sure you get the "real McCoy," a phrase synonymous with authenticity that originally was used to describe the automatic engine lubricator invented by Elijah McCoy.

We, that is, mankind, stand on the shoulders and the triumphs of black Americans, those who dared to dream - from aviation to medicine, and from agriculture to mechanical engineering. Many aspects of our society are directly attributable to their accomplishments, sacrifices, and sadly, lost lives. We cannot minimize overcoming seemingly unbeatable odds. We can look back and marvel at what heights human potential has achieved under great duress and oppression. Take what you will from black history, but there is great motivation, education and inspiration within. We should be inspired; we should be encouraged to put on some running shoes and chase down our own dreams, no matter the odds.

Ron Brown is on staff at Aviation Daily

Special Report: Blacks In Aviation