Do We Need A Black History Month?
It’s February, so that means that it’s Black History Month. I’ve seen a few Black History month posts on social media, and it’s interesting to peruse the comments. Comment sections seem to be dangerous places most of the time, but they are very frightening when it comes to racial issues. I’m not trying to write a dissertation, but here are a few reasons why I believe Black History Month is helpful.
Celebration
As I have read and studied black history, I have witnessed a journey worthy of celebration. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate people who patiently endured pain, passionately pursued equality, and powerfully protested injustice. February isn’t a month for condemnation of white people, it is a celebration of the prominent African American heroes as well as the hidden figures that helped shape our culture. As Americans, black history is our history. It is American history. It is a history where slaves came over as possessions, but as citizens rose to the presidency. February is a month to celebrate these accomplishments. African American’s aren’t perfect. Just like the rest of America, we still ask that God shed His grace on us. I think it’s okay to take the shortest month of the year to celebrate.
Conversation
I believe as we celebrate the history of black people, it will open the door for a number of necessary conversations. We’ve witnessed strong tension around racial issues in the past few months. I wish I could say that I see a lot of profitable dialogue happening, but sadly it seems that there are more hurtful criticisms and hateful condemnations in the place of actual conversations. I hope February can be a month of conversations. All of these conversations don’t have to be difficult, tear-filled debates, though some may. They can be heart-felt conversations over coffee, or they can be education-filled conversations in an inbox. These conversations need to happen. We must start listening to each other, and what better month to have these conversations than February.
Cultivation
My desire is that these conversations lead to cultivation. Dictionary.com describes cultivation as development or improvement by education or training. What if in the middle of these conversations, we are challenged to think? What happens when we pause to see a different perspective? Black History Month provides us a chance to educate ourselves. Every time I read a book on the history of African Americans, I learn something new. I’ve often heard the question asked “Why don’t we study history… everyone’s history?” As I continue to study, I am surprised by how much of “our history” (American history) I was never taught. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why are black people still angry about something that happened hundreds of years ago?” Cultivating a knowledge of history will help you experience a different point of view. February creates space to improve our knowledge of history by filling in the blanks that our history classes forgot to fill in. This month we celebrate, we have conversations, but just as importantly we take the time to educate ourselves, because black history is our (America’s) history.
Clarification
As we cultivate the knowledge to understand our neighbor, I hope it will bring some clarity. I don’t believe that conversations will simply clear up every misunderstanding, but it will bring us to a place where we can see someone else’s perspective, and that will bring much needed clarification. There are so many issues where we need clarity to see the real problems in our society so that we can work toward real solutions. It is easy to generalize arguments and demonize opponents, but Black History Month can give us a moment to stop the attacks, so we can clarify the real enemies of our disunity. Which leads us to cooperation.
Cooperation
Black History Month isn’t just for “black people.” It is a month for all of us. It is imperative that we work together for the unity we long for. So this February when you see that commercial or social media post about black history, don’t discount it because you are not “African American”. Strive to learn something new this February. Celebrate the lives of the various men and women who dedicated their lives to freedom and equality. Initiate conversations with people of color and actively listen to their stories. Cultivate a desire to educate yourself on American history from an African American perspective. I hope these exercises will bring a little more clarity to the circumstances of today. I hope that February can be a month of cooperation. No matter your skin color or ethnic background, we can work together to continue the journey of hope that those who came before us set out upon. I think Black History Month is important, because as Americans, we are still making history.
