In the late 1960’s the United States chose to acknowledge and educate our society on those individuals of color that stepped forward, striving for equality, acceptance, and opportunities that were unjustly withheld from them. Hence we deem February “Black History Month.”
Black History IS History
A month of observing the benevolent and courageous individuals that pursued equality and freedom is beautiful. And we, the people, need to do more. Presenting our children with an all-inclusive history education is imperative.
“Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes,” Obama said. “It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America,” Published on February 1, 2022, by npr.org
Delivering Transparent History
We are fortunate to walk in this country and lucky to have the ability to strive towards individual betterment. That being said, there are many channels for each of us to stretch beyond self-betterment. Collectively we must represent history, past, and present with transparency. This means educating future children with a history that illustrates every aspect of religion, gender, race, and ethnicity. To move forward and make progress as a country, gaining a comprehensive, transparent understanding of those that walked before us is crucial.
Taking Transparency into Tomorrow
Living a fully transparent life is an ever-evolving process. This applies to promoting evident history as well. Its message must be unambiguous, whether oral, written, or visual. Fake news and media inundate our society. Our perception should be balanced. Events are either relayed inaccurately or without a concise picture of what transpired. Regardless of how challenging the evidence is, transparent history demands that we play an active part and take undistorted ownership of our country’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs. We must be better, do better, I must be better and do better.
Starting with Hard Conversations
On February 7, 2022, Forbes issued the article “Embracing Hard History Isn’t The Problem. It Just Might Be The Antidote For Difficult Racial Conversations” by Dana Browniee.
Acknowledging and taking responsibility for our past history by participating in difficult conversations opens the door to gaining a clear understanding and building connections. Diversity cannot be erased, nor should it be erased. Through uncomfortable discussions where we embrace, accept, and appreciate one another’s differences, a step through the threshold is taken.
And Participation
Participating in events, programs, volunteering, etc., provides interactions with others that permit us to absorb knowledge and gain compassion. By “doing,” we chip away at the slanted walls of past history and construct archways of receptiveness and advancement designed for unity.
With great trepidation, I pushed the “post” button. There is an enormous amount to learn, understand, and express. I question whether I’ve given any justice to the unjust. I intend to take a personal step in this piece, utilizing my voice to support the transparent history and a united tomorrow. Most importantly, I’m utterly aware that I can only talk the talk by walking the walk.
