The following entry has been contributed by Joannie W., a recently retired elementary school teacher in Central Harlem, on what Black History Month means to her.

     Black History is not just Carter G. Woodson declaring Black History Week during the month of February years ago, or more recently people advocating to celebrate Black History Month during February. Black History, to me, is World History and the history of the human race on the planet Earth. Each of us has African roots or heritage, if we trace DNA back far enough. This needs to be taught in each schoolhouse throughout the country and the world.

     At the same time that we honor the great civilizations of the past and those who have come before us paving the way for social justice, we also honor our everyday unsung heroes who make a difference.

     We will make fewer mistakes from the past if we know more of our history . Learning more about Black History is compelling. Learning about the Olmec Heads is astounding. The Olmec Heads are strong evidence that the Africans came to the Yucatan Peninsula, and Central America thousands of years ago as independent navigators.  Many of our history books need to be rewritten, to say the least.

Joannie W.'s Bio:

"I'm a recently retired elementary school teacher in Central Harlem (10037)  who has mentored my students all the way to and through college. I still return to school to work on special projects and college trips for our students. Social studies and multicultural studies is my passion and my goal has been and is to nurture my students to take their place as thoughtful, caring, compassionate global citizens on a world stage.

P.S. When Congressman Rangel shared his experiences with my 4th grade students at the Sam Rayburn Building (in the early 1990's), he closed by saying 'Fly like a bird, but soar like an eagle!' Those are golden words that have motivated us from then until now!"