Roland Martin Talks Indelible Moments, Legacy for Black History Month
Coining himself the "fresh perspective of the 21st century," political analyst and award-winning journalist Roland Martin continues to give voice to our community on his blog, the Tom Joyner Morning Show and on CNN.
Here, Martin shares what the most powerful moment in black history is to him and discusses the legacy he wishes to leave for his children.
Black Voices: What was the most pivotal moment in history that impacted you and why?
Roland Martin: I can't speak on what happened prior to my birth, but I would certainly say it was the Million Man March. That event spoke volumes about the image of black men, but also how the planning of the event was so far off the radar of mainstream media.
One million black men came to Washington, D.C., not because of mainstream media, but because of the unique power and influence of the Black Press - radio, newspapers and magazines.
It was a glorious day in 1995.
BV: Do you celebrate black history?
RM: I do celebrate Black History Month, but I don't only focus on it in February. I believe that the contributions of African Americans should truly be focused on 365 days a year.
BV: Did you celebrate black history as a youth? How?
RM: I did celebrate Black History Month as a child and always enjoyed learning about the unique aspects of our culture and the impact on the United States and the world. We celebrated the same way [as most]: programs, TV viewing, reading, all the traditional methods.
BV: Do you think black history month is important?
RM: Black History Month is important because it can serve as a reminder of our history, but it should also be seen as a starting point for some. Let the month be the appetizer on the way to a full-course meal.
BV: What would you say to people who say black history month is no longer relevant?
RM: I tell them imagine us without Black History Month. Until we are fully recognized for our contributions, Black History Month must be a mainstay in our lives.
BV: What do you hope your children (or children of our future) can take away from black history month and your career as a journalist?
RM: I want my nieces and nephews to come away with the fact that African Americans are more than what is presented by my colleagues in the media. And we are more than Dr. Martin L. King, Rosa Parks, Oprah and President Barack Obama.
My job as a journalist is to expand that perspective beyond today's boundaries.
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Posted: 4:13 pm on November 21st
MANY THANKS TO YOU ROLAND MARTIN FOR BEING ONE OF THE GREATEST AND FACTUAL VOICES FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY. YOUR WELL RESEARCHED INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO OUR PEOPLE IS WITHOUT QUESTION, ONE OF THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTIONS ONE CAN MAKE TO THE BETTERMENT OF ALL MANKIND. SO, WHEN YOU SOMETIMES FEEL NO ONE IS LISTENING, PLEASE KNOW WE ARE.
February 18 2011 at 2:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYes, Black History should be 365 days a year, but who besides Tom Joyner and McDonald's is going to put it out there? Our accomplishments should be in every text book in America but are they? This country is still not ready to face the truth about our contributions to this society. Who decides what information is added to history books that are put in these classrooms and, why in 2011 aren't there pages and pages of AfroAmerican, Hispanic and Oriental contributions that have been made to make this country great? Why isn't the truth told about patents that AfroAmericans were not allowed to attain for their inventions or were stolen from them because they were Black? We need correct information beginning at the elementary school level, in our history books, regarding what we have contributed; our scholars and movers and shakers.
February 16 2011 at 7:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI agree with RM that Black History should be Celebrated all year (365Days) and not just the one month. The Schools need to teach a full class on Blk History because there is lots of information that we still don't know ,there are lot of inventors in all fields that Black s have started are help with that need to be known about.Thanks Roland Martin
February 15 2011 at 12:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhy doesn't Roiland Martin have a talk show (radio or cable). He is extremely intelligent very personable, speaks well and I think CCN or MSNBC should have grabbed him. What are they waiting for?????
February 15 2011 at 7:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI think the world of Roland Martin. He is such an inspiration to so many people, young and old. I'm from Mississippi and I am always encouraged by his articles. What wonderful parents and role models he must have had throughout his life. He has his finger on the pulse that directly reflects the heart of the American people. I pray he stands fast his is conviction to uplift and impact people throughout this country.
February 15 2011 at 7:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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