Black History Month

Black History Month is another important opportunity to educate young and old on the historical lineage behind our roots.  Our history ought to serve as a motivating force behind our need and desire to succeed.  Our history, our current situations facing us, and our concern for the future ought to motivate us to make a change, to educate, and to communicate.

Although February is the shortest month of the year, the legacy of our Black pioneers lives on so I caution you that on March 1st and every day thereafter that the celebration of accomplishments, the recognition of traditions, and the discussions and plans towards reaching resolutions of social issues in the Black community must continue.

As we reflect, let us celebrate the accomplishments of people like Ms. Vivian Malone Jones who was one of the first two African Americans to not only enroll at the University of Alabama but graduated from the university defying Governor George Wallace who vowed to never allow blacks to enroll in the all-white institution.  Vivian Malone Jones retired as Director of Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and Director of Environmental Justice for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  In 2000 she was awarded a doctorate of humane letters.

As we reflect, let us celebrate our heritage remembering familiar traditions such as family reunions, the traditional Sunday family dinners, special holiday traditions and more.  Take a moment and reflect on some of your own family’s traditions that you have enjoyed over the years as well as make plans for upcoming events.  Hold fast to those traditions even passing them on for generations to continue.

As we reflect, let us pause and recognize the need to mend various issues within our community and our society then take steps to help fill that void.  Some of the pervasive issues facing the black community include absent fathers, lack of familial support for many of our young people, the need for reform within our education system, the rates of poverty, and so much more.  While many seem to be waiting for just the right leader, the next Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or the next Malcolm X, stop waiting and consider your own position and power in you to make a change.  Be part of the dialogue that leads to a solution.  Be the leader you want to have, be the trailblazer you want to lead the way.

However you choose to celebrate this month, I admonish you to remember our culture, our rich heritage, and the accomplishments past of present of Black Americans.  As you teach our history, teach for understanding.

We are not there yet.  As long as we have breath in our body, as long as there is seed time and harvest, we are not there yet. As you achieve higher heights, be sure to reach back and offer a hand of encouragement up with you.

Celebrate yet communicate.

Reflect yet refine.

Teach yet seek.

Build relationships.

SharB~TTSD
#TaketheScaffoldingDown