Happy Black History Month!
SUPPORT. Black history is happening around you. Black history happens in your community and the communities that surround you. Take time to support and acknowledge your hometown heroes and your neighbors who are pouring their time, effort, energy, resources, and everything else into the Black culture. Support and acknowledge those who have and are opening doors that were shut in our ancestor’s faces. There are many entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and much more who are still becoming the first of their kind to do what they are doing. There are countless numbers of Black people who aren’t well known but still deserve their flowers… NOW! Highlight and showcase the achievements of those who wouldn’t otherwise be recognized while also still shedding light on the giants within our culture’s history.
Also, support by joining the #BuyBlack movement. Tell others to #BuyBlack – not just this month but every month!
SHARE. Black history should be celebrated every month, every day, every hour. The contributions that Black people have made to society on all socio-economic levels have had a profound impact on any and everything you can think of. However, Black History Month should be leveraged to build awareness around the achievements and contributions that have been made by Black people and Black culture! It should be leveraged to make others aware of those achievements, contributions, and impact – including our coworkers, neighbors, children, and community. Whether it be our counterparts or those within our own community – we only know as much as we know, but there’s always room to know more! So share what you know and ask others to do the same.
LEARN. Peel back the identity onion. It is essential to recognize that not all Black people identify as African-American. Spend time learning and encouraging others to learn definitions based on those of Black or African descent and their region. For example, those of African descent who were born in the Caribbean identify as Afro-Caribbean. Those who are not of African descent and are aboriginals of the U.S. may identify as Black – not African American. You should also encourage others to learn about Black culture more in-depth than what they think they know. Encourage them to learn why we don’t like our hair to be touched or why we use the term “jumping the broom.” Encourage learning to take place always, but especially during BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
Never apologize for being BLACK and definitely never expect me to do so.
