It would appear that nothing takes place surrounding the Black Culture that doesn’t involve controversy and the celebrating of February as Black History Month is no different.  It is challenged on every level beginning within our community. There are some that scream, “I’m black 365 days a year, so why single it out for a month”.  While the color of one’s skin remains the same throughout the year that is placing this celebration on a very small scale and is totally inaccurate of what the celebration is all about. I’ve seen Facebook posts that discourage celebrating of Black History Month because it’s discriminatory or not politically correct. I’ve seen posts that challenge the need for it, which is quite alarming to me and led to this post.

Celebrating of Me or Pro Me is NEVER ANTI-YOU! Regardless of who you are, to celebrate me doesn’t equal discrediting you. Pro Me should never be intimidating to you, unless somehow you benefit from my lack of confidence and knowledge of who I am! Having spoken that truth which is universal to anyone of any race, creed, culture, gender and/or ethnicity; Black History Month is and will always be relevant!

As with any part of history, there are those things one would love to rewrite, undo, tell differently and the history of the Black American in the United States as slaves, the civil rights movement, Jim Crow Era, etc. are just a few of those moments that make some people uncomfortable, however, it doesn’t make it untrue!  The stories must be told because each generation brings about a new form or method of dividing and conquering through racial lines. Without the historical concepts from the past, there cannot be a true future for racial equality.

There is quite a bit of pressure to let go of the past and to mingle in. There were many that declared the election of the United States, first Black President, a ‘post-racial’ America. Their concept lay in the fact that voters of all ethnicities and race voted for him.  It sound great but it was far from the truth as he accepted the election from a glass proof stage.  In the years to follow, it became increasingly clear that not only was this NOT A POST-RACIAL AMERICA, but the fears of some were greater far greater than their desire to learn, mix and prosper together. Racial hate crimes escaladed for the following eight years and then the slogan for the election year of “MAGA” appeared on the scene! Either way you read it or attempt to read it speaks volumes against Black Americans. The real feelings and fears of so many began to surface and even among Facebook friends, you see the divide; those who suffer, those who want to understand; those who fear, and those who don’t care.  You didn’t know it before, but amid the elections, the rhetoric it became clear how people you used to know really felt about culture, politics, fears and goals.

While one can understand it may be tiresome to describe everything in color or black and white, imagine for just a minute what it must be to live it!  See there are people who like ‘some of us’, the good black people who work, own homes, pay taxes and do not pose a threat to them.  You know they say these things to you at work as they weed out their problems with some black people versus others. You know how it is, the next day after an innocent black man is gunned down by police and people around the office weigh in on it or attempt to not discuss it.

Black History which is American History is just like any other historical points, IMPORTANT! You cannot have a real discussion about the future without understanding the past in truth (not watered down versions).  You cannot overcome pains and struggles about the future until you know the past!

Celebrate Black History Month without worry, without feeling bad or guilty! To celebrate you isn’t bringing up bad times or causing confusion! You didn’t write the history, you’re celebrating it!  If someone feels uncomfortable with it that’s on them!  They don’t feel uncomfortable spending their family’s wealth or carrying their family’s name and working in the family business; why should you feel uncomfortable celebrating your greatness?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The legacy of the Black American is rich, diverse and IMPORTANT! DON’T LET THE LEGACY DIE BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO SHAME TO SPREAD THE TRUTHS OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE CAN GO!

#PROUDBLACKWOMAN

In the words of James Brown, “I’m Black and I’m Proud”!