Black History Month: A Time to Remember and Rededicate Ourselves

By Richard Cox

It’s time again to celebrate Black History Month when we recognize our Black heroes and sheroes who have made life changing contributions and achievements to the fabric of America. During February we take time to honor the memory of African Americans like Dr. Martin Luther King, W.E. DuBois, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm and others as we celebrate current history markers like General Colin Powell, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, etc. We remember the greatness of Jackie Robinson breaking down color barriers in sports, and cheer today as Tiger Woods continues to set new golf records. We are inspired this political year by Senator Barack Obama’s running as a candidate for the President of the United States of America.

The history of Black History month grew from Negro History Week, which was established by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Mr. Woodson chose the month of February because it embraced the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. It was in 1976 when Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month. It expanded the time period and encouraged Americans to learn more about the contributions of Blacks and to celebrate those contributions. We want our youth in America to learn about our struggles, to celebrate our successes, and to participate in our ongoing efforts as African Americans.

As we remember and rededicate ourselves during Black History month we can truly recognize how God has sustained us and has shaped our purpose as a people through a history of suffering and injustice. We understand what a powerful and blessed people we are. We are the children of survivors. We are descendents of faithful and courageous people who have beat the odds, who have lead us to new frontiers and who have crossed color lines --- literally breaking chains of oppression to fulfill our dreams of freedom and equality. This is our history to take pride in and celebrate the men and women who have and are serving as leaders for our interest.