ABOVE PHOTO: Young girl reading an illustrated book in Pleasant Green School, near Marlinton, West Virginia, 1921. Shutterstock, Everett Collection
Black people have been creating and establishing their history based on their blackness for decades — even centuries. This perspective is present when we speak about history, our ancestors, where we have come from, the powers that God has bestowed upon us, and the many walks that we have endured in pain and misery simply for being who we are.
The Blackness of our history is so impressive that others reach down into our culture and take the things from it that they would like to possess, then turn around and try to take the credit for them.
It is such a weird phenomenon — you tell me that you don’t like me, you try to get rid of me, and you knock me down at every opportunity. However, on the flip side of everything, you aspire to appropriate the Blackness of my history — our words, music, fashion, and the legacies of our successful players. Throughout history, this has occurred over decades, centuries, and eons.
You know, it is really sad how we all just can’t get along, and just accept who we are alongside one another, then share in those joys and those loves and those accomplishments all around. We can all celebrate each other. Character allows us to uplift others when we are low, shows us to forgive when we have sinned, and also shows us that you don’t have to knock somebody else down to get where you would like to go or become who you are aspiring to be. God created a space for every individual during Black History Month and beyond to become who He says they are, to go get whatever it is He has for them, and to make their own history.
As we celebrate Black History Month, wherever you are today and whatever you choose to do, never forget you are the part of Black history itself. Be blessed, and do something different today. Create your own story so we can read the pages of your life and celebrate them as you walk across this world and make your own mark in Black history. Take care, and until next time…PEACE!
cj is an author, poet, educator, spoken word artist, writer, motivational speaker, and inspirational writer who resides in Philadelphia. If you were moved by this piece, shoot cj a “like” or comment at: [email protected].
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