It’s February. Time for Black History Month. And I am reminded of how when I was growing up, I had had people ask, “Why do African Americans need a month to celebrate their history? Why isn’t there a White History Month?”
I’m the annoying type that likes to answer a question with another question. So, I ask back, “When you were coming up in school, what Black people did you learn about in your history class, apart from Dr. King, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks?”
Their answer to this is usually a long pause followed by a change in subject.
Don’t get me wrong. MLK, Malcolm and Ms. Parks were exceptional people who had a huge importance in my cultural history. But a large amount of Americans are not being educated about other contributions African-Americans have given to this country as well as what they had done inspite of the doors that had been closed off to us.
Most U.S. citizens only know we had sung, danced and had been dehumanized as we picked cotton. Oh, and some people had said it was wrong for the laws and white citizens to treat Black folks badly and unjustly so a few people had spoken out about it.
No, that’s not it! There is so much more.
So, why do we need a month for Black history!?! Because too many people don’t acknowledge our equal importance in this country. We should have the whole year mixed with other cultures who are a part of this nation’s true, multicultural experience.
Basically, people’s questions shouldn’t be: “Why do African Americans need a month to celebrate their history?” People should be asking: “Why aren’t we learning more about the varies cultural involvements that are in U.S. History?”
Therefore, I’m posting every day in February a small pic and description of an unsung hero in Black history. I may even make it an occassional blog throughout the year that includes other cultures.
We’ll see. However, for now, soak up some knowledge with my one of my first posts:
#Blackhistorymonth
#weweremorethanslavesandentertainers
I listen to my music as I clean the house. Soulful R &B blasts while I’m doing my hair. I perform dance sequences and sing along to my favourite Hip Hop joints in the shower. Alternative rock music wails as I’m driving. Motown hits swirl through my mind with the story ideas I’m typing on to my laptop. Pop songs bop my head while my students complete a writing exercise. It can be said that music is in my daily life.
My mother loved reading so it was only natural that she would read to me as a child. That’s where the spark of imagination begins is in reading. Writers are readers. Reading has its influence on writers to futrther form stories in the sense of how to build suspense, drama, romance and develop characters.
People have dreams of being a firefighter, a famous actor or singer. They imagine the enjoyment of being excited to work every day, instead of slumping out of bed to do a job they have no interest in. A job that pays the bills. Not everyone gets their dream job. Not everyone knows what they are meant to do in life or what really makes them happy to go to work. One way to find out is by exploring your habits and interests. Could you be a writer?
Mike Chang from the Hollywood Demands series might not have gotten his fair chance with Mya Basset in Books 1-3. Mike has been sweet and patient. A fine Asian action star with good tastes and money. How could Mya resist such a catch?
As I was swiping through a selection of Netflix’s new releases, my finger stopped when I saw a shadowed figure of big hair with natural curls sticking out. My excitement intensified when I read the title: “Nappily Ever After”.
