Black History Month

Black history month has come and gone. It’s an interesting process to try to teach people in such a homogonous place about the struggle of race relations, discrimination and reconciliation.  My students were beyond startled to realize that the American dream isn’t filled with as much prosperity and equal opportunity as they imagine it to be.  Through all of our discussions they felt very connected to the African Americans because they consider themselves “black.”  We watched the Malcolm X movie and listened to martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.    We talked about civil disobedience and the debate between using violence or peace to achieve social change. We talked about the manipulation of religion to gain support for social movements, as well as the purity of religion to inspire hope and encourage strength during times of trouble. 

For this blog i originally had a five page rant about the inequalities in the United States between races today. I wrote how disturbing it is such a significant part of our population is only recognized and celebrated for a single month of every year.  I retold a heartbreaking dialogue I’ve been a part of too many times about African Americans in gangs, dealing drugs, living in poverty, dropping out of school etc etc etc. 

But, Black History month is to celebrate, not to mourn (although I’m not sure these two things are all that different), so I want to use this time and space to reflect on the many beautiful lives that have, and continue to, bless the world with their music, literature, language, fashion, love, family ties, and innovations.  It’s a silent reflection as it’s hard for me to think about all of these people, and all of these things, without being devastated and irate about so many of our societal perceptions and stereotypes of African Americans. 

As Martin Luther King Jr wisely reminds us, “their (white people) freedom is inextricably bound to our (African American) freedom.” Let us work towards a future of equality and unity among all people. Let us not forget the blood that makes us each human.  Let us never steal the dignity of another man or woman despite religion, race, ethnicity, language, but rather let us join in jubilant celebration and praise such diversity.