Don't they know its Black History Month

February is here, which means its Black History Month. A time where African Americans, and those who identify themselves as such, celebrate their impact on American history. Black History Month used to be a time of self celebration and self reflection. During these 28 (every four years we get an extra day) days, Black families nationwide gather round to educate the younger generation on what it means to be Black. This post isn't about how "hard" it is to be Black in America, or how we've been continually oppressed since being brought over as slaves centuries ago. Its more about what we've accepted as quality representation of our month and our people.
I attended a Greek step show recently and the hosts of the show took time out to recognize that it was Black History Month, then quickly proceeded to introducing a rap group. Excuse me? It really bothers me that the go-to representation for my people are rappers, athletes and actors. Yes, these people are high profile, however, there are other areas in which Blacks have broken barriers and opened doors for future generations, especially when it comes to immigrants of color. I don't think I've met a child a generation younger than me who can tell me how people like Cornel West, Angela Davis, Alvin Ailey, Elenor Holmes-Norton or Shirley Chislom have affected the Black community. There is more to our history than Martin, Malcolm and Rosa, and we don't teach our children that, but they know every word to every Lil' Wayne song.

It bothers me that THIS is what we've settled for; what we've allowed ourseleves to get away with. Might some of this be a direct effect of America's failing school system? Possibly. But as a people we owe it to ourselves to learn more, and do better.

"The bondage of the Negro brought captive from Africa is one of the greatest dramas in history, and the writer who merely sees in that ordeal something to approve or condemn fails to understand the evolution of the human race." --Carter G. Woodson