7 February 2012
February of every year is the month we celebrate Black History in our country. Our country is all about diversity and it is through diversity that our country has such a rich cultural background. It is reflective in our society today and it is our diversity that separates us from other countries in this world. It enriches us and makes us a better, more stable country than any other country in the world.
We really have come a long way as a people. We have come from being a white male dominated society wherein some, not all, were slave holders to a culturally and ethnically diverse country with a Black man as our President. Say what you will about how he’s handling the job of President but the fact that he is there speaks volumes about far we really have come. We have moved from slavery to segregation and the policies of racism. We haven’t conquered racism yet and I doubt we ever will but we are a more integrated society that does not openly condone or permit the denial of civil liberties based on one’s color. We have a long way to go to achieve Dr. King’s dream but as he said we will get there. And through the efforts of heroes like Dr. King, the wonderfully brave Ms. Rosa Parks, Bobby Kennedy and countless others who had the courage to stand up for their convictions, we have a better country. We really have come a long way.
But as I reflect this month, I feel like our country is suffering. I think that maybe our differences are being exploited against us. I think people’s politics are getting in the way of our countries development as a society of free people. I see our country as being more polarized now than it has been in a very long time. It’s not hard to see the politics of hate, anger and greed gnawing at the fabric of our nation. I see people exploiting racial tensions to satisfy their agendas and if I may be allowed to put it bluntly, I have never seen nor heard the level of crap that I have heard in recent history. I see it on all sides. The fact that I said “sides” makes me a little sad. What makes me sadder is that I don’t see a leader. Our country so needs a leader. I don’t care what color, sex or ethnic background this person comes from but we need someone that can galvanize our nation and get us back to talking to each other like decent human beings. Our country needs someone that can get our focus back to where we are at today and get us going forward as a united people. It’s foolish to believe that we will all ever agree on everything but at least we need to be looking forward and saying “What if” instead of looking back and pointing “What was”. Blame is a loser’s game.
But I think there is a leader in us all. We each have the ability. Everyone at some point in time is capable of stepping up to the plate and doing what is right. If each and every one of us takes a little effort, focus ourselves on what we need to do to better ourselves and our country, our communities, instead of pointing out what was done and whose fault that was, then we can better ourselves. How does this all fit in with Black History Month? Because for me Black History Month is a time to celebrate differences and diversity and it’s time to remember those that fought and died to achieve equality. It is a time to celebrate the joining of a people. It is a time to reflect and refocus on moving forward.
So we have Black History month. I urge all of us to not only appreciate the richness Black people have brought to our country but to also reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation, where we are at today and how far we need to go. Appreciating the differences we have with one another needs to be a daily observance, it is through those differences that we shall find our common ground and thus, our strength.
Have a Blessed Day!
Related Links:
The Official Government site for Black History Month
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