The answer would be that actually, we shouldn't have to designate a month to celebrating black history; we should be exposed to black history 365 days a year. We should learn about it in our American and world history courses beginning in elementary school and carried throughout every level of education.

Unfortunately, as it is, that education isn't happening. And that's the reason we need a Black History Month.

Yes, we've made civil rights improvements, but it seems that in our educational institutions, we still only learn one side of history -- the one from the white man's point of view. And there is a lot more to history than just the white man's contribution.

Where do we learn about the great African Americans who were integral in the formation our country? Is it in our elementary or high schools? How about colleges? As soon as we can answer this question without having to put a couple of minutes of thought into the subject, that's when we no longer have to have a Black History Month.

Black History Month serves to highlight the accomplishments African Americans have had on the United States. From Harriet Tubman to Paul Robeson and Martin Luther King Jr. -- three easily recognizable examples -- African Americans have been essential to American culture. Yet, most of us know very little about these individuals.

And until their contributions are fully recognized and taught to our youth in history classes across the country, Black History Month will, and should, continue to exist.

Elementary schools especially need to be fortified in African-American history; maybe Gov. Ridge will recognize this during February and earmark some of his education budget to ensuring that African-American history is taught.

Perhaps, at least during this month, students in social studies classes across the country will set aside their white, male-based history books. Perhaps these students will learn about and celebrate the different influences of African Americans. Perhaps some of African American stereotypes that are the result of ignorance will be erased completely because of the education of black history.