What Black History Month Means to Me

I have mixed feelings in regard to Black History Month. First and foremost, anytime there is a chance to highlight a person or group of people for the right reasons, it is always a good thing. 

Black History in America is the story of courage, perseverance, and evolution. 

It is the COURAGE of a group of oppressed human beings, staring evil in the face, and recognizing the violation of fundamental human rights.  It is the PERSEVERANCE to continue to stand on the unwavering belief in a future of human equality, despite the current realities of consistent physical, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse by other fellow human beings.  It is the EVOLUTION of these courageous and persevering individuals who continue to navigate a reality where a systemic disadvantage has been coded into the fabric of the society where they now recognize as their home.  It is also the EVOLUTION of other groups of people who must receive credit for breaking out of the mental conditioning that everybody in America should just be “Proud to be an American, where at least I know I am free.”

We owe honor to everyone who has contributed to the movement of human equality, whether they used their power and influence to amend laws like Abraham Lincoln and Dan Rooney, or they were barrier-breakers like Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson. 

Although there is still a lot of progress that is needed, we should celebrate the progress that we have made as human beings in America.  Progress is a wonderful thing.

Where I am conflicted, is ‘why are we still identifying people based upon their skin pigmentation?’  I have an iPhone that happens to be the shade called black.  I have a Visa card that happens to be the shade called blue.  When I am asked what type of phone I have, I don’t answer black.  When I am asked what card I will be using for payment, I don’t answer blue.  I identify the product by the maker/manufacturer.  So then, if the identity of the product is tied to the creator of the product, why are we STILL identifying people by their shade?

I am looking forward to the next level of evolution…

 

Forever-inspired,

Mark

What Black History Month Means to Me

This week we asked Sam Cooper what Black History Month means to him:

To me, this month is all about educating and celebrating Black history and Black culture. As we should do every day, this month we show special thanks and appreciation to those who sacrificed and fought for the rights of Black people in America: The ones who fought for our freedom and equal rights, broke barriers, and pushed to make a better tomorrow for All. While there is still so much more work to be done, taking time to learn and thank those for all they have contributed is necessary for the continued growth of OUR country.

As Maya Angelou and so many others have said, "If you don’t know where you`ve come from, you don’t know where you are going."

In my opinion, Black history and culture are so rich and valuable; and to ignore or devalue is a loss to All. Many racial issues originate from the lack of knowledge, respect, and understanding of what it means to be Black in America. This is a conversation that needs to be had and will take longer than ONE month out of a year. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to learn and not immediately judge, is a major step in bettering our nation.

As we move forward, I hope that we will start taking the time to learn and better ourselves as humans and not save it once a year because we feel obligated to do so. We must continue to acknowledge and celebrate Black history while continuing the work needed to achieve equality in every segment of society. 0There is no better way to honor our place in society than by reflecting on the past while striving for a better future.