I’ve heard a few comments that caused me to pause over the past week. The idea of Black History Month is only for Black people. It is a time set aside to highlight the accomplishments of Black people to everyone. Too often, the contributions of Black people get omitted as part of the standard learning curriculum. The abilities of Black people and the impact on the world we know today are foreshadowed or simply untold.
Last week, the Monday Minute highlighted Black inventors of common everyday items. Did you know about those? Were you taught those during school? The answer, unfortunately, is probably no.
However, several years of history classes highlight the numerous events of White America, their successes, and their inventions.
Do an inventory of the media outlets you regularly watch and listen to how many times Black people are cast in a negative light or not heard. The negative bias and narratives need to be corrected.
In addition, the more other races and backgrounds learn of Black History; we chisel away the stereotypes and bridge gaps of learning, equality, and belonging.
Black History Month sets the time apart and brings consistent and pointed attention to Black History. It originated in the US and is celebrated in February in US and Canada, while Ireland and the UK observe it in October.
I urged you to take the time to learn Black History, not just in February but 365 days of the year.
It’s not only Black History; it’s World History.