In surveying the vast and rich history of African-American people, we must go beyond the shores of America to the continent of "Alkebulan" or Africa. We are indebted to the late Dr. Carter G. Woodson and members for the study of Negro Life and History for designating February as a time for observing the outstanding contributions of black people, not only to American but also to world history.

A great tragedy of our times is that many people, both black and white, think that Black History began four hundred years ago in what Kenneth Stampp called "The Peculiar Institution" of slavery. Yet, when we diligently and painstakingly research our history, we see that it began before Europe was Europe, and before Western civilization had reached its present oasis.

In fact, when we rightfully and t…