I recently read an editorial where the writer said he was over Black History Month since its inception in 1979. When I read this I “got it”. But shortly thereafter, I was reading about people I didn’t know about. I saw a “Soul of the Nation” show that gave me a piece of history about a segregated Las Vegas and how it got to be desegregated. I read about a Tuskegee Airman who had been a prisoner of war and how he was saved from being killed. He returned to a segregated United States where he went on to become highly educated, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, accomplished a lot and he lived to be 98 years old.
There are some Blacks who are still uncomfortable with having their stories told. Life is about the good, the bad and the ugly. Teaching this to your children and learning from these experiences make us more human, empathetic, knowledgeable, and maybe helps us help a stranger in need no matter who they are. There is no “what” they are because seldom do we know.
During this month we have the continued push and pull, left against right, someone says yes, and others will say no. You cannot keep opposites apart. Wrong will not triumph over right. The United States used to be called a “Melting Pot”, but certain forces have vowed that will not happen. When one looks at Diversity, Equality, Equity, Inclusion (Belonging), a lot of strides have been made with diversity because capitalism requires that the best talent management must secure those who support the bottom line. Diversity comes in all colors, shapes, political, religious, sexual orientation, just to name the obvious discriminators. Leave people together in a room, working together, eating together; eventually one head nod or smiles lead to more. Anxiety has raised the bar on the need to understand the human desire to belong. Few people want to be on the outside looking in or being ignored and not able to share their thoughts and creativity. Some have figured out they have to walk this path alone and make their own way and know if they aren’t included, at least they know who they are. They don’t need permission to be their best selves. We should celebrate them.
Ah, but then there is the equality and equity piece that we have made a dent in, even as some try to scare others into not telling the untold stories about why the hate and discontent lives on. Burying one’s head in the sand or covering your ears or turning your back on the story of Black Americans, who have been denied rights and freedoms promised to them under the Constitution, must continue to be told. The crux of the equity issue has to do with how one feels about each person having different circumstances (from slavery to today) and how resources and opportunities are allocated to reach equal outcomes. Many people do not want this to happen so we must keep DEI as an active “go do”. Additionally, we must always share the black excellence in more endeavors than anyone can count. I am inclined to believe we can discontinue singling out “Black History Month”. But if we did that some of the stories that are shared would not be shared.
Parents if you want your children to learn about others, the schools cannot stop what you do at home. I commend the teachers and others who willingly find ways to get children and the public involved in learning about Black History. Adults who are curious or just want to know, there are so many resources to not only whet your appetite but maybe move you to actively participate by being part of the necessary solutions. It is difficult to give up our “self-contained”, “life is good”, “let someone else figure it out” notions. Read, Watch, Listen and Learn and then you too can be a Contributor to a story that needs to be told. Okay even though I don’t want anyone to just focus on Music Black Excellence or Sports Black Excellence, this is worth giving a shout out to:
Lebron James, 38 Years Old, 38,000 career points
and 38 Points although losing to Oklahoma Thunder!
Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections 