Monday, February 1, 2010

Black History Month


Horray! February is here and with it's arrival is Black History Month!

Now, on a more serious note, I have often heard (usually white, older men say) these words: "Why do (the) blacks need a whole month to themselves?"

Chew on this:


  • White people have privilege and oftentimes preference every day, week, month, and year in this country.

  • We dominate the merchandise that is sold, the media, and the real world.

  • As a nation, we only embrace one black person's birthday, MLK's, and that is optional for schools. President's Day (up until 2008), Lincoln's birthday, Washington's birthday, St. Patrick's Day, St. Valentine's Day, etc. are for people who are white or have white skin.

  • Off topic, but there are NO national holidays celebrating a woman. :(

  • History books were, in the past, and possibly still now, supportive of a white person's view of history.

  • Why not celebrate black history which is AMERICAN history?

  • Why not learn about another culture/race?

  • Why discount the value of a month focusing our nation's attention on people who live and work in our country?

  • Why are you so angry?

Of course, in real life my answer would be a jumbled mess of nonsense that makes me appear as if my highest level of education was fifth grade. I'm not quick to respond to such abrasive questions....but I'm getting better.


How will we celebrate Black History Month in our home?


I have a few ideas. First, find some children's books on black icons like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. to read but more likely just view the pictures (she's only fifteen months old). Second, have a soul food meal (or two, or three). (At a recent diabetes conference, I picked up an American Diabetes Association Soul Food cookbook). Third, watch Tyler Perry movies. :)


I hope that no matter the racial makeup of your family that you will consider celebrating Black History Month.


I look forward to your comments and the ideas you have for me to instill BHM traditions in my home!

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