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.

Seize this moment and participate in the various activities and community forums planned by your communities, churches and employers to observe and honor Black achievements. There’s so much to learn from these empowerment forums that addresses our current cultural issues with health, employment, religion, politics, education, and finances. These forums and activities help to promote change and empower us with the knowledge to make better decisions and choices in life. Let’s recognize our Black heritage on all levels from a national, local and personal perspective in our culture. Black History is being constantly made each day. We just take this time in February to remember and rededicate ourselves on our progress so far on this journey of life.

Here are ways you can celebrate Black History Month:

*Invite speakers - invite older persons to share their Black experiences with your church, school or community organization.

* Hold Concerts – Invite choirs to focus on African American Spirituals and Gospel music which are an important element in our Black culture and history.

* Hold Study Groups - Hold a small study group discussion about a book on the life of a prominent Black History figure. You can also view documentaries about Black History to discuss in your group.

* Research your family tree - A good way to start your research is to talk with the older members of your family, look through old family photo albums and use the free genealogy resources at your public library.

* Focus on Young People - Engage in discussions groups to open up dialogue and create greater awareness about Black History.

* Participate in Black History Essay Writing contests

* Plan a trip to visit a Black Museum and Black Landmarks in your state.

* Check your weekly newspapers to find opportunities for you and your family to attend in Black History Month activities and forums.

By attending these activities and forums you’ll be educated, empowered and inspired to make a difference in your home and community. It’s up to us to take this opportunity to teach our families about our personal family history and share stories about our relatives who have made great contributions in our communities, jobs, politics, educations, etc.

Because of our past Black leader voices, many of our issues and concerns were addressed and today we still continue to have strong voices with new Black leaders in the 21st century who are addressing our current interests. It is up to us during Black History Month to make sure we are committed to continue to teach our children to remember and rededicate ourselves to making our lives better in our homes, churches and communities and nation.

Throughout our lives as African Americans we’ll continue to face many challenges and difficulties. We’ll run into some roadblocks and obstacles. Some of us may continue to be discriminated simply because of the color of your skin. Others may be challenged by things we cannot foresee or imagine at this time. Don’t be discouraged because it may take the full measure of your faith to help you overcome some of these challenges. What we have to hold on to is the knowledge about our history that will help us to continue to fight our causes and move forward. I encourage you to take strength from our history. Remember that our freedom and equality that we have today is the product of the strength, courage and faith of those who have gone on before us.

We need to remember our past Black leaders stories, and create new stories so we can pass on our baton in America to future Black generations. As we remember and rededicate ourselves during Black History month let’s keep crossing the color lines, keep fulfilling dreams, and let the history of our people empower us to be the great history makers of tomorrow. It has been God’s hand and protection that has led us as a people this far. And the journey of truth and justice is still marching on for us. We remember it, celebrate it and understand that the best is yet to come in our history with God on our side.