A little education can go a long way -- it can even go so far as to help ease racial tension at the University.

As we once again dedicate February to Black History Month, we must use this time to benefit the entire University community by learning about African-American culture. But we should also remember that this month celebrates a culture that pervades all of our lives every day of the year.

Black Americans have played a significant role in the nation's history, yet their contributions are often overlooked -- particularly in classrooms. For too many students, college is the first time they have the opportunity to learn about anything other than white culture.

High schools almost always overlook minority groups in history classes -- outside of maybe Martin Luther King Jr. and Dred Scott. It's a sad commentary on our educational system when students read A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass for the first time as college seniors. High school English and history classes tend to focus on more "mainstream" authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne. The achievements of Sojourner Truth, Paul Robeson and Shirley Chisholm are rarely studied in detail.

Students should not have to wait until they reach the age of 18 to have the opportunity to take a black studies or women's studies class. Those classes must be offered earlier, so all cultures are woven into our society's fabled melting pot.

The best way to start learning is to become involved. Nine programs, lectures and exhibits dedicated to different aspects of educating people about black culture are being offered this month. Get involved at 6 p.m. today by attending "Tracing Your Roots," in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Take advantage of the opportunities to educate yourself by attending the cultural activities planned during Black History Month. Think of this month as a celebration and carry it throughout the whole year.

For more information regarding the celebration of black history at Penn State, see Page 3 of The Daily Collegian every Monday for the rest of the month.