Temple University Athletics
Da'Mon Merkerson: What Black History Month Means to Me
2.28.18 | General
This is part of a series of first-person accounts from Temple Athletics coaches and administrators on what Black History Month means to them.Â
As an educator and life learner, this month is amazing because I get to teach and learn at the same time. Black History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the people who have contributed to our society and have not received the recognition and attention in our history books.
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There is nothing wrong with talking about figures we have known about for years such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks. During this month I also use the opportunity to acknowledge and educate myself and others about the lesser-known stories about some incredible people. The Paul Robesons that did amazing things as a student-athlete, performer and activist. Pioneers like Cheikh Anta Diop whose research was critical to the history of Africa as well his contributions to African American Studies. Black History is American history and I believe that we should use this month as an opportunity to create dialogues with people from all backgrounds.
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This month for me is a time of reflection and education on our history. Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, worked for years to get recognition for the accomplishments of African Americans. In February, 1926, Negro History Week started and this program would be renamed Black History Month. This month is a time for us to show our gratitude to people like Carter G. Woodson.
Da'Mon Merkerson joined the staff of Temple University's Nancy & Donald Resnick Academic Support Center For Student-Athletes as an Academic Advisor in August, 2014, He was promoted to Assistant Director in September, 2017.Â
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As an educator and life learner, this month is amazing because I get to teach and learn at the same time. Black History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the people who have contributed to our society and have not received the recognition and attention in our history books.
Â
There is nothing wrong with talking about figures we have known about for years such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks. During this month I also use the opportunity to acknowledge and educate myself and others about the lesser-known stories about some incredible people. The Paul Robesons that did amazing things as a student-athlete, performer and activist. Pioneers like Cheikh Anta Diop whose research was critical to the history of Africa as well his contributions to African American Studies. Black History is American history and I believe that we should use this month as an opportunity to create dialogues with people from all backgrounds.
Â
This month for me is a time of reflection and education on our history. Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, worked for years to get recognition for the accomplishments of African Americans. In February, 1926, Negro History Week started and this program would be renamed Black History Month. This month is a time for us to show our gratitude to people like Carter G. Woodson.
Da'Mon Merkerson joined the staff of Temple University's Nancy & Donald Resnick Academic Support Center For Student-Athletes as an Academic Advisor in August, 2014, He was promoted to Assistant Director in September, 2017.Â
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