February is widely known as "Black History Month". Growing up as a black kid in America whose parents are both from the "souf" this becomes a very important thing. My folks always made sure we celebrated the different innovaions that African Americans were responsible for. There's a list of items that most people are familiar with but there are some everyday things that have made life easier that go unappreciated.
Ironing Board
Ironing Board
Coin Changer
Horse Shoe
Lawn Mower
Window Cleaner
The list goes on...
For myself I've always hoped that I would see a day when there wouldn't be a need for a Black History month. We're not there yet but we are getting closer. In a lot of ways it's our own damn fault.
Because of the different tribulations that have occured (and in many respects continue to occur) over the last couple of centuries there is an automatic bond that we have. We are part of a fraternity. Our ancestors endured pledge week for us. But, as a member of this fraternity I can tell you that we can be pretty judgemental of each other.
There's also a bit of an identity crisis going on. This, in my mind, is a good thing. This means that the easily identifiable lines of what it means to be black in America are beginning to blur. That the days of judging each other based on a set of outdated standards handed down to us from the days of slave ownership is coming to an end.
Black people talk more than just one way. We dress more than just one way. We listen to more than just one type of music. We date and marry more than just one race. We can do more than just blue collar work. We can acheive the highest of offices in the land. But most importantly, we as a people are beginning to accept that these old truths about our brothers and sisters do not make us less black.
If the need for Black History Month is going to evaporate the acceptance of our internal differences may be the final catalyst for it.
1 comment:
Yo..You got flower!! :)
Post a Comment