Since 1976, Black History Month has been a staple in the American calendar. Every February, the nation comes together to acknowledge the accomplishments of black people across American history. That's a nice gesture, right?
Yeah. I guess I can appreciate Black History Month. I mean what else is there to do in the shortest month of the year?
So, alas, I grew up like the many millions of kids around America, watching "Our Friend, Martin" every February in school as a child, and hearing the same stories about MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass and all the usual characters.
As I got older and continue to read and research on the many accomplishments of black people not only in America but across the globe, the concept of Black History Month began to puzzle me more and more.
African slaves helped built this country from the ground up. Since the arrival of the first boats in 1619, black individuals in this country have fought and fought and fought. No matter the barrier, we as a people have knocked down every blockade, striving for excellence and reaching new heights along the way. With every passing day and every accomplishment, black success becomes a part of the history of America. Not Black America. Just America.
Fast forward to 2017.
The feelings of confusion for the month of February aka BHM have slowly become feelings on intolerance and distaste. As this four-week period for the nation continues to be a part of our country's yearly to-do-list, I sit back and laugh as fake love continues to be shown to the accomplishments of the largest group of disenfranchised people in this country's history.
Why the distaste, you ask?
Lack of consistency.
You see, America has a bad case of cognitive dissonance. People, in general, suffer from this phenomena, but no other group of people exemplifies this like that of America.
Leon Festinger came up with the theory of cognitive dissonance in 1957. His theory is described as a "....situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors. This produces a feeling of discomfort leading to an alteration in one of the attitudes, beliefs or behaviors to reduce the discomfort and restore balance...".
In simpler terms, people shape the world to their liking, often ignoring the realities and ugly truths that we ultimately have to acknowledge. Dedicating a month to "recognize" black accomplishments is the embodiment of this.
Rosa Parks' name is often echoed throughout BHM, and rightfully so. All the TV specials and books written to honor her efforts are well deserved, but what about Claudette Colvin?
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated with so much joy, as we praise his efforts to bring nonviolence to the civil rights movement. We constantly share images and pictures of Dr. King bellowing the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, but we seem to forget his militant speeches. We forget how critical MLK was of America. We seem to forget the aggression and intensity he spoke with many a time.
What about Malcolm X's birthday? If not for Denzel Washington's portrayal, some people wouldn't have a clue about the life of this brave man. What about Marcus Garvey? Where are their days? Why don't we speak of the incomparable Angela Davis more often?
People like to call Muhammad Ali "The Greatest" as if he earned that title by being a great boxer alone.
I could go on and on. The point is that this tendency to remember the "good" parts, to pick and choose what should be historically relevant is not only counterproductive but a waste of everyone's time.
If we are going to honor the history of a people that call this country home, let's honor the history all year long. Let's teach of the accomplishments by black inventors, athletes, musicians, and scientists alike.
In a country where our President says things like this....
"I am very proud now that we have a museum, National Mall, where people can learn about Reverend King, so many other things, Frederick Doug -- Douglass is an example of somebody who's done an amazing job that is being recognized more and more, I notice."
....this message is now more relevant than ever. Slapping a band-aid over the accomplishments of black individuals in American history by dedicating a month to this supposed "Black history" isn't doing justice to the countless contributions of black people in American history.
Maybe, The Donald and his apologists should take a cue from Gregg Popovich, and should begin to understand that more conversations need to happen. That there is still more work to do as far as the recognition of black folk across the board.
"It's a remembrance and a bit of a celebration in some ways. It sounds odd because we're not there yet, but it's always important to remember what has passed and what is being experienced now by the black population."
While Pop's words in their entirety were of his thoughts on what Black History Month means to him, his words still echo the same message.
"We're not there yet."
It's important to understand the meaning behind these words. Understand that while the idea of Black History Month is a one with good intention, it only adds to the cognitive dissonance that this country is already suffering from, ultimately dictating how society, as a whole, views the accomplishments of black people.
Little children shouldn't have to grow up and learn how important Black people have been to the development of America every February. These accomplishments need to be taught all year, and need to be taught properly as well. Name dropping an individual and sharing one or two quotes isn't teaching. Saying that someone like Martin Luther King Jr helped black people isn't teaching. He and all those involved in the civil rights movement helped EVERYONE. This country is a better place in many respects because of their efforts and everyone should recognize how they benefit from this.
Little black children shouldn't feel that they should have to grow up to be an entertainer or an athlete to make it. They should know that those before them have been some of the best inventors, scientists, doctors, teachers, authors and numerous other professional positions that this country has seen. They should know that their efforts weren't in vain and that they too can strive to be anything they want to be. Give these kids role models.
Most importantly, don't be like this guy.
Understand that these courageous individuals aren't being recognized "more and more" (whatever that means). Understand that MLK and the many civil rights activists aren't the only heroes that you should be quoting or looking up to. Every black person that graduates from High School, College, or is contributing to society in a positive manner is a role model. These people are all part of American history, not "black history". History is being written with each passing day and America is benefitting from every single one of us. It's time we are appreciated as such.
Black history is American history. We don't need a month.
Stay Woke.
