As you all know, February is Black History month. School kids will learn about the likes of George Washington Carver and Dr. Charles Drew. If they are really lucky, they will get to hear stories about the Tuskegee Airmen. I got to meet some of them when I was in the service. Their presentation was one of the most gripping and moving I’ve ever heard.

Let’s blame it on our collective ignorance or lack of interest, but by mid month, shamefully, our kids are learning about the likes of Eddie Murphy. So while I’m in roll-up-my-sleeves-and-help mode, I thought I’d like to add a few days worth of Black History that you might find interesting.

I know there are some who resent Black History Month. And I might be convinced that it can be counterproductive as a political tool. But my interest isn’t political, it’s woodworking. I think you'll like what I have to offer on the subject.

In fact, for me it's just a chance to delve into the personal lives of folks who lived long ago. Hand tool woodworkers inevitably end up questioning the intentions of woodworkers long passed. We know what tools they had (pretty much). What we want to know is how they used them and what were their inetntions with them. The more we understand of the lives they led, the better off we are (as interpretters of their sensibilities and work).

Stay tuned!

Adam

Thursday, February 04, 2010 7:02:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [7]