Should Black History Month Be Ended?

Should Black History Month Be Ended?

That’s the question explored by African American filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman as he embarks on a cross-country campaign to do just that. Community Cinema Vashon presents More Than a Month this Sunday, Feb 19th.

Both amusing and thought provoking, More Than a Month examines what the treatment of history tells us about race and power in contemporary America. The film takes the form of a road trip that begins in Washington, D.C., crisscrosses the country during Black History Month 2010, and ends with an epilogue one year later.

Using a light touch and sprinkling his quest with humorous dramatizations, Tilghman takes his question to black leaders and academics, to people in the street, and to his parents. The film is a first-person narrative of the filmmaker’s quest to understand the implications of Black History Month.

What would it mean if Black History Month were no more? Would Black History itself disappear, never to be seen again? That’s the question at the heart of More Than A Month. An institutionalized part of the national calendar, Black History Month has become a predictable observance, when schoolchildren learn about black heroes and historical figures, the TV schedule abounds with stories of African Americans, and commercial enterprises flavor their offerings with connections—however spurious—to black history. Filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman wonders if it’s time to put an end to what he feels has become a rote exercise, and to free black history from the confines of February and ensure that it is thought of as year-round, mainstream American history.

In the end of the film, whether or not we have a Black History Month is actually not the point. The filmmaker argues that the idea that we need to have it at all speaks to a social failure to recognize that black history is American history, period. He feels that Americans must ensure that we don’t need this special month, even if it continues to exist.

Is this film a fit for Vashon? ABSOLUTELY, YES! "It is my personal belief the true change begins in the hearts of individuals. When I meet people of Africian American heritage I need to remember that their ancestors were brought here against their will and provided the free labor that helped to build this country. They are Americans FIRST and part of its history." Jane Berg

Emma Amiad will be moderating the after film discussion. This film will be closed captioned. All ages are encouraged to attend. Community Cinema Vashon Events happens every 3rd Sunday in the Ober Park Performance Room from 3-5 pm. Community Cinema, on location in more than 100 cities nationally, features FREE monthly screening of films from the PBS Independent Lens Series. They bring together local organizations and community members to learn, discuss, and get involved in key social issues of our time.

We encourage you to explore the many PBS programs on line and on KCTS-Channel 9.

For information about our upcoming 2012 Spring films, check ccnw.tv (Community Cinema Pacific NW. CCVashon is presented by We All Belong - FREE film & discussion, a project of Welcome Vashon. Jane Berg - jane.e.berg@gmail.com - 567-4532.