(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

February is Black History Month. It has been for many years and I taught it every year to my students. We talked about George Washington Carver, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriett Tubman, and famous Black Americans from the past and some from the present. But, why do most teachers and historians only talk about famous Black Americans from one hundred or more years ago? Are there no famous Black Americans of recent times who have distinguished themselves, other than the trendy rap singers, athletic “superstars,” etc. who contribute little or nothing to society?

Dr. Benjamin Carson, famous neurosurgeon led the team that separated conjoined twins at the head. He also became Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at about age 32 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Is that not something to be recognized for?

What about Clarence Thomas, who is currently the longest serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court? Is it because he is a conservative in a day where liberals “cancel” those they do not agree with politically that we do not mention him?

Even former President Barack Obama, who came from a Black father and a white mother, but was raised by his white grandparents. Do kids know about him? Why no emphasis on who raised him?

Matthew Henson was with Robert Peary in 1909 and was a co-discoverer of the North Pole. What do people know about him? Do people know he was an African-American?

Condoleezza Rice, former United States Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush. She has an earned doctorate and is one of the brightest women around, who just happens to be Black. Should kids be told about her? She also happens to be a super classical pianist.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that we should judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Your character is what you do and are like when no one is watching.

There is ONE who is always watching. He is Almighty God and He watches over us day and night and notices the differences between what we say and what we do. Accept his son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Robert Sadler

Marietta