Unfortunately, and in ways that Carter G. Woodson could not have imagined, Black History Month has been shamelessly exploited as a justification for almost anything, regardless of how dubious, ridiculous, or far fetched. Witness what happened in Washington, D.C. the other day. The city council, presumably a deliberative body elected to represent the interests of its citizens, passed a resolution declaring February 27th Don King Day in the nation's capital. In the words of Ward 2 councilman Jack Evans: "It's Black History Month, and we wanted to honor Don for his contributions to local boxing. Hence Don King Day." Never mind that the polysyllabic scoundrel was already the recipient of such an honor back in 1999. Never mind that even the most casual boxing fan would not confuse the District of Columbia with Las Vegas as a mecca for practitioners the sweet science and that the city has no serious boxing presence to speak of. But what adds insult to injury is that Mr. King failed to show up for the official ceremony because of "unforeseen circumstances."
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