With all of the Black History trivia floating around this month, there's one mystery I still haven't figured out...
Why, when we talk about Black history, is it made to seem that our greatest accomplishments, our greatest leaders, our boldest visionaries have already come and gone?
The achievements of Black people in America did not end in a Memphis motel room in 1968. History is still being written, by those who have the courage to take responsibility for it.
All too often, African-American history is presented like a eulogy - reminiscing about times past and thinking about how great our leaders "used to be".
I have the greatest respect for those who came before me. They fought battles that I can't even imagine. But too often, we overlook the fact that there are still many battles left for us to fight. Are we developing the young men and women who will grace the cover of next century's history books? Are we giving credit where credit is due?
This year, let's redefine the meaning of Black History Month. When Dr. Carter G. Woodson created the idea, it wasn't with the intent to simply memorialize the past, but also to inspire for the future.
There are heroes and revolutionaries whose names and faces you won't see in middle school textbook or Black History advertisements, but you already know them. They live in our neighborhoods, go to church with us, teach in our schools, and serve in our communities.
Our brightest days not behind us; they are ahead of us. The story of Black Americans is not summed up by slavery and civil rights. The next chapters are being authored as we speak.
The leaders of our past would want be honored not by memorials and tributes to their name, but rather by legions of young people rising to pick up where they left off.
Posted By: Jon C.
Thursday, February 21st 2008 at 2:38PM
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