Lift Every Voice...

By God’s grace we come to the close of another Black History month, I admonish you to forge on through this day and the days ahead recalling the significance of the many contributions by Black Americans to this country…the land of the free and the home of the brave.  Then I admonish you to realize with open eyes and open heart that we, as a people, have not arrived.  Many forward steps have turned into backward steps but we must push forward.

There are many pioneers currently striving for the end to racial tension and bulldozing down the racial divide.  There are many who are striving for voter equality.  There are many fighting for social service programs to care for our elderly and educate our children.  We need to stand with these pioneers and many others.

If your voice is a political voice, then by all means politic.

If your voice is an educator, then by all means teach.

If your voice is a caregiver, then by all means treat.

If you are a creator, inventor, artist, then by all means, do it.

If you are a child finding your way, then by all means listen, search, and explore.

Perhaps you choose to adorn yourself in the African brocade garments and elegant African dress and coat to represent your culture as we did on a Sunday during Black History Month.

Whatever your voice, lift it; whatever your gift, let it be heard, let it be seen.  Are you an athlete? Perhaps you are a strategic thinker? Does the power of your words motivate people to action?  Are you a great listener? Write down your dreams, your hopes, your talents.  Write it down so you can see it and work on it.  “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, so he may run that reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)

Never forget where we have come from and prepare for the journey that lies ahead.

Our struggles may not look great at the moment but through God’s grace we will come out shining like pure gold.

Use the gifts and talents you have to make a difference in your home, your community, your nation.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

Black History

The scaffolding of division has come down in many ways but there is still a long way to go.  Thank you to Mr. Carter G. Woodson, historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the Journal of Negro History, for the establishment of Negro History Week in February 1926.  Then in February 1976, the celebration of Negro History Week was extended to a month, evolving into Black History Month.

Our month seems to be quickly coming to a close but there is still yet so much history to acknowledge, so many memories to bask in, and so much still be learned.  Regardless of the date on the calendar, we must continue our quest for knowledge and teach the history of our ancestors.

Why is Black History important?  One reason is the younger generation needs to know the historical lineage behind their roots.  Our history ought to serve as a motivating force behind our need and desire to succeed.

Won’t it motivate a young black woman aspiring to get her degree to know that Georgiana Simpson, University of Chicago; Sadie T. Alexander, University of Pennsylvania and Eva B. Dykers, Radcliffe College were the first black women to earn PhDs in 1921?

Would it motivate you, young black politician, to know that Carl B. Stokes paved a political avenue for you when he became the first black mayor of a major U.S. city (Cleveland, Ohio?)

Why not strive to be a successful physician or surgeon like Dr. Charles Drew who discovered blood plasma or Dr. Ben Carson, the first black surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head.

Are you a singer or musician?  Then sing, write, compose as you recall the struggles and successes of John Coltrane, James Brown, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Diana, Ross, and Donnie McClurkin…and the list goes on and on.

Perhaps you are an artist like the late great sculptor Elizabeth Catlett who made tremendous contributions to the art world.

Whatever your goal, whatever your aspiration, do it…be it with all your might.

Preparation=Education

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown