Watch Independent Lens: More Than a Month

"More Than a Month" is a documentary film directed by Shukree Hassan Tilghman and released in 2012. It was broadcast as part of the Independent Lens series on PBS. The film explores the concept of Black History Month and raises questions about whether Black history should be confined to just one month of the year. The film follows Tilghman's journey as he embarks on a cross-country road trip during Black History Month in 2010. He talks to a range of people about their thoughts and opinions on Black History Month, from academics and historians to students and everyday people on the street.

Throughout the film, Tilghman raises a number of thought-provoking questions, such as whether a separate Black History Month is still necessary or whether it perpetuates the notion that Black history is somehow different from American history as a whole. He also explores whether dedicating only one month to the topic actually diminishes its importance and significance.

Along the way, Tilghman encounters various viewpoints on the subject. Some people believe that Black History Month is a necessary reminder of the contributions of Black Americans to the country's history and culture, while others feel that singling out Black history for a single month is a form of tokenism or even racism.

The film also highlights a number of important figures in Black history, including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr. It also discusses lesser-known figures such as Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week, which eventually evolved into Black History Month.

One notable segment of the film follows Tilghman's visit to Virginia's "Lost Cause" museum, which focuses on the history of the Confederacy and the Civil War. Tilghman talks with museum patrons about their views on African Americans in both the historical and contemporary contexts. This segment serves as a stark contrast to other scenes in the film which celebrate the achievements of Black Americans throughout history.

In another segment, Tilghman visits a predominantly Black elementary school in Washington D.C. where he talks with young students about their thoughts on Black History Month. The children's answers are both inspiring and heartbreaking - inspiring in the sense that they have a true appreciation for their history and heritage, but heartbreaking in the sense that they feel that they only learn about Black history during the month of February.

Ultimately, "More Than a Month" doesn't provide a definitive answer to the question of whether Black History Month is still necessary, but rather encourages viewers to think critically about the issue. The film highlights the importance of Black history in the overall narrative of American history, but also raises important questions about whether it's appropriate to confine it to just one month of the year.

Overall, "More Than a Month" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film that is sure to spark conversations and debates among viewers. It provides a nuanced look at an issue that is often oversimplified, and encourages viewers to think critically about the many different perspectives on Black history and its place in American society.