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?)
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
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown
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