What exactly are we celebrating? The memories of soldiers fallen, the triumph of a single individual or the movement of a Nation by an icon of today? Whatever it is, we have much to celebrate given our history in this country and the world around us.
Every year, around this time, we all tend to get more prolific, politic and heretic [person who holds controversial opinions]. Blacks are proud to be Black, African-American, Caribbean-American, or just plain happy and proud to have culture and ethnicity, derived from an African ancestry or heritage. We talk amongst ourselves about the famous stories of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. King's famous speech, and Malcolm's famous stand. But then the conversations take a turn to the evils of those same struggles, we get a picture via email or Google of riots, polices beating citizens with battons, hangings, cross burnings and the Ku Klux Klan. Now our disdain and contempt for white people and the controlling mass comes to light and tensions at work, on the train, at school or in a public venue arise. However, this year is different. We've marked a pivotal point in our history. One of change, dreams revealed and promises fulfilled; we've made history and it's officially documented.
We have more than just memories of past leaders to celebrate, we have the achievements of the leaders of today that we can begin to recognize and celebrate, because for "our" movement, they have made great strides. First and foremost, we celebrate the election of the first Black President in the history of United States of America, President Barack H. Obama. His story, as much as Dr. King, Malcolm X and many more before him, inspires us all to believe that there is nothing in this country that is not attainable. Young, old, Black, White or Hispanic, we all share his dream and vision and he showed us that it can be done. However, even his story falls on deaf ears, because ignorance is more prevalent than education. Maybe you don't understand politics, maybe you don't value education or maybe, you just don't see the relation. Whatever the case, there's more examples out there for you. Let's take a look at music, Jay-Z to be exact. Jay, came from extremely humble beginnings, growing up in one of the most disenfranchised housing projects in New York's Brooklyn borough. Jay was able to take his bad situation and make it better and has increasingly persevered to change his life path to create the empire he has today. Whatever you think or believe about him or his life, he's done a lot and has continually shown us Dr. King's dream is attainable.
I've chosen these two individuals, because their respective stories speak to me and the person who I am. For Black History month, these are the lives I want to celebrate. They have simultaneous furthered our cause, just by pursuing theirs. We should hold them up and embrace their achievements, as well as anyone else in your life that has realized their potential and went after it. We've got a long life to live, let's begin to live positive and be congratulatory of people rather than show hatred for their achievements, when we haven't moved a fraction towards their position.
Every year, around this time, we all tend to get more prolific, politic and heretic [person who holds controversial opinions]. Blacks are proud to be Black, African-American, Caribbean-American, or just plain happy and proud to have culture and ethnicity, derived from an African ancestry or heritage. We talk amongst ourselves about the famous stories of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. King's famous speech, and Malcolm's famous stand. But then the conversations take a turn to the evils of those same struggles, we get a picture via email or Google of riots, polices beating citizens with battons, hangings, cross burnings and the Ku Klux Klan. Now our disdain and contempt for white people and the controlling mass comes to light and tensions at work, on the train, at school or in a public venue arise. However, this year is different. We've marked a pivotal point in our history. One of change, dreams revealed and promises fulfilled; we've made history and it's officially documented.
We have more than just memories of past leaders to celebrate, we have the achievements of the leaders of today that we can begin to recognize and celebrate, because for "our" movement, they have made great strides. First and foremost, we celebrate the election of the first Black President in the history of United States of America, President Barack H. Obama. His story, as much as Dr. King, Malcolm X and many more before him, inspires us all to believe that there is nothing in this country that is not attainable. Young, old, Black, White or Hispanic, we all share his dream and vision and he showed us that it can be done. However, even his story falls on deaf ears, because ignorance is more prevalent than education. Maybe you don't understand politics, maybe you don't value education or maybe, you just don't see the relation. Whatever the case, there's more examples out there for you. Let's take a look at music, Jay-Z to be exact. Jay, came from extremely humble beginnings, growing up in one of the most disenfranchised housing projects in New York's Brooklyn borough. Jay was able to take his bad situation and make it better and has increasingly persevered to change his life path to create the empire he has today. Whatever you think or believe about him or his life, he's done a lot and has continually shown us Dr. King's dream is attainable.
I've chosen these two individuals, because their respective stories speak to me and the person who I am. For Black History month, these are the lives I want to celebrate. They have simultaneous furthered our cause, just by pursuing theirs. We should hold them up and embrace their achievements, as well as anyone else in your life that has realized their potential and went after it. We've got a long life to live, let's begin to live positive and be congratulatory of people rather than show hatred for their achievements, when we haven't moved a fraction towards their position.
3 Featurettes:
Dude,
You outdid yourself with this one.
"They have simultaneously furthered our cause, just by pursuing theirs."
NICE!!!
Thanks bro. I'm just trying to get my verbal mojo back. I think we have a good amount of things to do this year, but one thing we know now, is that it is all possible. With that, I say this, Let's GO!!!
Very profound! We as black people do not understand the influence and power we have as a people. When we use our intelligence and drive for success and not for mediocrity. We don't just make heads turn and people whisper but we leave unforgettable footprints..
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