"Freedom is never given; it is won." -A. Philip Randolph.
I really meant to post this sooner. Like most of my past blog posts, I planned write out a detailed article on the importance of this time but I only have a few minutes so here we go! This year like every year in February we pause to recognize, remember, and celebrate Black History Month. A time where we can salute the great strides that have been gained since 1926 when it first originated by historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week". Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans: former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. Long gone are the days where Black and White people could not sit next to one another on the bus, at the movies, or in a classroom.
Who would have guessed or imagined back then that we would now have a Black president? Recently, on January 31, 2010 Caressa Cameron, a 30 year old Black female from Fredricksburg, Virginia was crowned Miss America. She was the fifth Black woman to receive this coveted honor. How inspiring and profoundly amazing! There is still "a ways" to go but I believe that if we (not only Blacks and Whites but all nationalities) keep moving forward we shall indeed "overcome."Black History Month sheds a light on issues that need to be addressed and challenges us to continue to rise above injustices, Ethnic intolerance, and any other acts that do not productively serve our great goal which is peace and fairness. Please take a few moments to remember what was done and what still needs to be done to make this world a better place for our children and generations to come. To all of you making history.... Thank you and continue to fight the good fight!
In closing I'd like to leave you with this poem. Let's keep hope alive, live the dream, and Elevate!
Julian Curry - Niggers Niggas & Niggaz
photos by Newham you can find them here
