As we celebrate Black History month, many of the programs I have attended continue to speak of a movement that began only 53 years ago as the defining moment in our rich history. I do agree, the civil rights movement opened many doors for today’s sumptuousness, but many of our children clearly believe our existence began with slavery. When the stories are shared what is left out and what is highlighted about the journey and essences of blackness globally? How do we connect the identification of one's blackness to the influence many so eagerly mandate? What is their connection to what qualifies them as black?
We have been indoctrinated on what it is that defines the criteria for being black in America. Many have chosen two routes of assimilation, success or failure and called that being black to justify their condition. Many believe finding the truth which has comprehensible value may open wounds of pain, but ask the veteran who can’t find a job about pain, ask the child who has never had a hot meal except at a shelter about pain, ask the 60% national average African-American male who has drop-out of high school about pain, ask the college graduate who can’t find employment about pain or the millions of American’s who can’t afford or have been denied healthcare about pain in the greatest country on Earth.
My mother once said if it doesn't kill you it will only help you grow, if we are to continue celebrating Black History month we must conjure up the courage and share the truth of our memoirs for the betterment of our legacy. If scores of us would research our derivation and find out our factual prominence, there would not need to be an assumption for your significance, you would know your greatness and therefore live life completing the purpose of your existence.
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
-R.T EDWARDS
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