RKMBs Forums .::Important::. Politics and Current Events February is Black History month.

Here is how NYC wants to kick it off :

NY City Council Considers Halt to N-Word
By SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writer
2 hours ago

NEW YORK - The city council is considering a symbolic resolution calling for New Yorkers to stop using the n-word, and supporters say Black History Month is a relevant time to call attention to the racial slur.

Queens Councilman Leroy Comrie spearheaded the nonbinding measure before the New York City Council Thursday. He appeared with hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow Walker on Thursday and said the slur has gained a level of acceptance among entertainers and youths that is troubling.

"So I challenge the hip-hop community, I challenge you to abolish that word during the month of February _ Black History Month _ and beyond," Walker said.

For centuries, the slur has been used to humiliate and degrade blacks, but more recently it also has become a term of endearment and camaraderie among some.

Hip-hop culture in particular has been singled out for its use of the word in music and entertainment, which some say is helping convince an entire generation that the word is acceptable.

National attention increased after an incident last year involving actor Michael Richards, who played the Kramer character on "Seinfeld." Richards blew up at black patrons in a comedy club with a profane tirade that included the slur.

After the Richards episode, black leaders challenged the public and the entertainment industry _ including rap artists, actors and movie studios _ to stop using the insult.

The resolution is expected to go to a vote by the end of February.

Comrie said he and the Abolish the N Word organization also will organize an essay contest for February, asking schoolchildren to write pieces on the topic.

Dennis Walcott, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's deputy mayor for education, pledged his support for the movement.