I, a self-identified Black AND African American woman, who knows herself universally and as a global citizen, still like Black History Month. Black History Month, or African American History Month as it is also called, is like my birthmonth. I personally celebrate my life, my individual culture and accomplishments daily, however my birthmonth concentrates fully on me and my development.
In a society that minimizes the sheer power of self-acceptance, self-identity, self-love, self-expression and self-knowlege, it is of critical importance to schedule regular tune-ups. My birthmonth is my scheduled tune-up. My well-being does not just serve me, it serves the world. When I am strong, clear and present, I am more purposeful, efficient, instrumental, productive and constructive.
In the last few yew years, there have been some public discussion exploring whether there is value to the recognition month or whether it is still relevant today. For me, there is no question that Black History Month is valuable in America, moreover worldwide. Certainly we should reflect on how the observance of the month has evolved, and what it means for the progress of African Americans and all of humanity. The question for me in 2013 is not whether we should still celebrate Black History Month, it is how do we, as a society, press forward towards promoting a popular culture that supports the development and well-being of all when we are caught in a political and economic spin.
As I child growing up in the 70’s and coming of age in the 80’s in South Jersey, Black History Month was my access to knowledge and resources withheld. In my home, there were no family discussions about prominent and successful African Americans (or anybody for that matter), nor were there conscious discussions about social struggle despite intensely living the struggle. We operated on a daily basis without vision, purpose or direction. We indulged in popular culture with no intent on defining or developing ourselves. Sadly, for many I grew up with, subsistence living is the fabric of their being and they continue to resist their own development and prosperity.
Black History Month, like my birthmonth and other celebrated observances, supports my foundation. Grounding is critical to living an authentic and empowered life. Without a firm foundation, I could not manifest my own destiny, live joyfully or realize my potential.
Black History Month has been one of the many channels of information that strengthen the context in which I live in this world. It has given me access to people and opportunities. It has been a bridge to understanding, expanding my worldview and connecting with others. If Black History Month has limitations, it is because we have self-imposed limitations. Let’s be more visionary and intentional in shaping a nurturing, inclusive and sustainable society.
Al Jazeera’s The Stream presents a brief, yet dynamic conversation on the topic.
Other Black History Month resources:
http://asalh.org/blackhistorythemes.html
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/bhm/index.html
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month/
How do we show love to Black people in our daily living? How do we demonstrate appreciation and gratitute to the contributions of Black people in America and throughout the diaspora to the quality of our lives around the world?
The Rise Up 
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