Black History month is here and with it comes many reasons to celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout this country’s history.
Celebrations portrayed by parades, musical and stage events, readings and re-enactments at every age level occur simultaneously throughout the nation. It’s a time when blacks reflect on the past and look forward to what the future holds in this great country. As the saying goes “you won’t know where you’re going, until you know where you’ve been!”
February marks what has become known as ‘Black History Month.’ What started out as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carver G. Woodson, later became a month long celebration of the contributions of African Americans. Woodson was born to former slaves and later went on to earn a doctorate at Harvard. Mr. Carver knew of the struggles of blacks in America and wanted to make sure that our works did not go unnoticed.
Carver G. Woodson
(Scientist, botanist and educator)
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African Americans have been and continue to be major contributors in the building of America.
Yes, slavery played a large part, however there were blacks who were free and knew the power of education and family. Freedom and education meant more than money could ever buy!
We had our own towns and communities, such as Allensworth, CA, Rosewood, FL., Sedalia, NC. and many more. Blacks have made their place all over the world. Our culture is rich from the African continent, South America, Europe and North America.
I Have A Dream!
In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a memorable speech, which in over the last 40 years the dream continues to be real!
In 2009, we witnessed the swearing in of the first nationally elected African American President Barack Hussein Obama II, who was also the first African American junior Senator from Illinois. His father was a Kenyan and his mother was a Caucasian from Kansas.
President Obama represents the many struggles of being black, growing up in a white home and facing adversity and the challenges it brought. He decided to embrace who he is and his confidence is what has brought the citizens of the United States and the world together. He is a proud man who has strong moral and family values.
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Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall
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There were other firsts such as Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, General Colin Powell, the first black U.S. Secretary of State and the first and only African American to serve on the Joint Chief of Staffs. The greatness of these individuals, groups and countless others is due to their dedication, education, boundless hard work and passion.
We are always reminded how important education, listening to the stories our elders shared, as well as reading our history all aid in our children’s growth.
This is a great time to build your child’s self esteem and culture heritage! Visit and support your local library with your children, museums, churches, local events, plays. Visit your child’s school and share with the teacher your interest in sharing a lesson in black history. You can even create your own piece of African American history.
In the words of our newly elected President Obama ”Yes we can…Yes we will!”
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