Black History Month

I recognize that my power as well as my primary oppressions come as a result of my blackness as well as my womanness, and therefore my struggles on both of these fronts are inseparable.    - Audre Lorde

Today, February 1st, marks the beginning of Black History Month. 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.    - The History Channel

Some may ask why we dedicate a month to this and other causes that have similar dedications.  The answer is that black history has been underrepresented for so long that we must be deliberate and commit to making up for past shortcomings. Indeed, Black History should be part of our regular, ongoing study of history and not limited to one month of the year.

I try to add a significant book to my list each year to accomplish this. This past Sunday, someone recommended a new title about Martin Luther King Jr. entitled King: A Life. In it, author Jonathan Eig reportedly paints a revealing portrait of “our [nation’s] only modern-day founding father” and “most mourned martyr,” a man who “demanded peaceful protest for his movement but was rarely at peace with himself” (Amazon.com). I truly believe that books, movies, and other media can add to our understanding of history. I hope you will join me with some intentionality this February to consider Black History more fully. 

Blessings,