I have mixed feelings in regard to Black History Month. First and foremost, anytime there is a chance to highlight a person or group of people for the right reasons, it is always a good thing.
Black History in America is the story of courage, perseverance, and evolution.
It is the COURAGE of a group of oppressed human beings, staring evil in the face, and recognizing the violation of fundamental human rights. It is the PERSEVERANCE to continue to stand on the unwavering belief in a future of human equality, despite the current realities of consistent physical, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse by other fellow human beings. It is the EVOLUTION of these courageous and persevering individuals who continue to navigate a reality where a systemic disadvantage has been coded into the fabric of the society where they now recognize as their home. It is also the EVOLUTION of other groups of people who must receive credit for breaking out of the mental conditioning that everybody in America should just be “Proud to be an American, where at least I know I am free.”
We owe honor to everyone who has contributed to the movement of human equality, whether they used their power and influence to amend laws like Abraham Lincoln and Dan Rooney, or they were barrier-breakers like Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson.
Although there is still a lot of progress that is needed, we should celebrate the progress that we have made as human beings in America. Progress is a wonderful thing.
Where I am conflicted, is ‘why are we still identifying people based upon their skin pigmentation?’ I have an iPhone that happens to be the shade called black. I have a Visa card that happens to be the shade called blue. When I am asked what type of phone I have, I don’t answer black. When I am asked what card I will be using for payment, I don’t answer blue. I identify the product by the maker/manufacturer. So then, if the identity of the product is tied to the creator of the product, why are we STILL identifying people by their shade?
I am looking forward to the next level of evolution…