February is over. Now what? Do we now wait for next year February? Or, do we continue the wonderful efforts and ideas focused on last month?
Celebrated in the month of February, Black History Month is an annual celebration of contributions made by the black community to history. When I thought of the questions above, I remembered the following sayings: (1) Those who forget their past, has no future and (2) Those who forget (or do not learn from history) are doomed to repeat it. This makes it completely understandable why so many educators and parents (myself included), focus on the contributions of persons such as Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson, Harriett Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks among many others.
My view point is that all these individuals have made valuable and life altering changes that we can never ever repay. Without them, their determination, sacrifices and perseverance, life as we know it would not exist. Hence, the importance of an annual celebration and recognition each February. However, the next step is also crucial. While we must never forget where we came from and what happened, we must strive to learn and do better. Some of these contributors to Black History were fortunate enough to be alive to see some of their works manifest and take shape and effect positive changes. Others did not live long enough to see the fruit of their labour. Thus, I say to us parents, educators and people in general, let us learn from our past. Let’s learn from history.
As we speak (well read, but you know what I mean), there are quite a number of persons alive and well today that are impacting positive changes to society and our world as a whole. One day, it most certainly will be history, but while these individuals are alive and kicking, why not highlight them as role models and Black History heroes. Highlight them as role models for our kids to emulate. Yes, we will continue to highlight the works of the dearly departed but also lengthen the list of those persons we feature. How amazing would it be for our kids to celebrate Black History contributors that they can see today on television, read books about and meet in person? And like them, our kids can be taught that they can grow and contribute to society just like these persons. Not only that, they can start contributing to society and Earth at any age, even now, as young as they are. How they can do so, will be discussed in another post.
Still not sure how to start? Just consider the list below:
Barack Obama
Kamala Harris
Michelle Obama
Loretta Lynch
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett
Victor J. Glover
Amanda Gorman
Lebron James
You may be see names that are familiar and some that are not. Not to worry, I will be posting a follow-up article about the contributions made by each.
To answer our main question; no we do not simply wait for next year. We make it right by continuing to highlight the work of these individuals throughout the year and motivate our kids to work on making their world a better place, in any way they can.
We should never forget where we came from and what happened then. In addition, let’s pay attention to positive, current and inspirational contributions being made in the present.
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Thank you.