Black History is America’s History

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements African-Americans have contributed to America’s history.

Americans first began honoring the contributions of African-Americans during Negro History Week in 1926. Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford nationally recognized Black History Month.

“Black history is America’s history as well as labor’s history. I think black history influences us because African-Americans helped America grow its fight for equality. Martin Luther King, Jr. started out fighting for equality in the workforce, worker rights became civil rights,” said Ellena Schoop, Region 7 representative on MAPE’s Board of Directors.

Schoop has worked in state government for 10 years with MNIT. She began her service with MAPE as a member of the Membership Committee and then became a steward in Local 701 before she was elected to the Board of Directors in 2013. 

When he recognized Black History Month in 1976, President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

"Black history is American history. We have a month to bring attention to black history when it should be celebrated every month. It’s important to bring attention to our communities – it’s not just a black thing, it’s about all of us,” said Marcia Bierschenk, Region 21 representative on MAPE’s Board. Bierschenk began her union work as a steward for Local 2101 and later served as MAPE’s statewide secretary before joining the Board as a director. She was the co-founder and first chair of the Black Women’s Employee Resource Group at the Dept. of Human Services.

“Black history education did not exist when I was in school – I had to learn it from my parents. I think we need to include black history in our curriculum from Head Start on. We’re now starting to see more books and movies with black characters and heroes. It’s important for all children to celebrate past and present contributions to America’s history,” Schoop said.

“In school, we did talk about Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X. There is so much more we can talk about now. It’s helpful for me and my children to see people who look like us, it is comforting to know that you are not alone.,” Bierschenk added.