What’s the big deal about Black History?

I always encouraged my children to take history throughout school.  I want them to know and understand what people have experienced because it allows them to have a more informed perspective.

History teaches them to be objective and open.  It helps them to understand what people outside of their culture, country and faith have experienced as a result of….life.  It allows us to learn, to know what we do not know and have a broader worldview.

History helps us to remember so we do not deliberately repeat mistakes made in the past.  It allows us to appreciate our present but more than that history motivates us to live intentionally.  You see, everything we do now is creating a history, not only for us, but others who will reflect upon it.

You see, everything we do in our present is creating a history not only, for us, but others who will reflect upon it.

In North America, February is celebrated as Black History Month.  I am a black woman who has lived in Canada for over 45 years, and I have not written about black history in a very long time.  I feel it is important to recognize and reflect on this history because as a black woman, my story has been impacted by the contributions of the many that came before me.

Every person of African descent has a rich history that drives them to be better and do better than their predecessors using history to teach them how not to live.  Many have gone ahead of us to impact the world with their talents and giftings.  We are all familiar with Martin Luther King and his desire to influence change through nonviolence and peaceful demonstrations.  What many do not know is that his father changed his name because of the impact that another reformer, had on his life.  This person also wanted to influence change.  This man had an unshakeable conviction to the core once he learned and understood that the truth he thought he understood was not accurate.

This man had an unshakeable conviction to the core once he learned and understood that the truth he thought he understood was not accurate.

Once he had this knowledge, he used what he learned to teach others so they could be better and truly live out their faith truthfully and intentionally.  That individual was Martin Luther.  Martin Luther understood that to love God and live for him fully could be done by faith and not by works.  Do you see how it is not ok to live in ignorance?  Knowledge is power, but only if you use it.

Martin Luther understood that to love God and live for him fully could be done by faith and not by works.

I encourage you to watch a documentary, read a book, see a production, but intentionally learn something new this month of February about black history.  Some people ask the question why should we celebrate black history in February?  My response:  whether it is in February, or any month in the year, there should be a time to celebrate the contributions of a people who have gone through many dangers, toils, and snares.  People who have risen to a place where injustices have moved them to press forward and be change in this world we now live in.  A people who through it all have helped to make the world a better place.

If you don’t study history, you will not truly understand “why” this celebration takes place.  However, remember, the desire to learn about history is a choice we all have.  I choose to learn.

Blessings!

P.S.  February 7th, God blessed our home with a precious Influencer and lover of history.  She is writing herstory in many beautiful ways.  She is a passionate advocate, superhero nerd, and woman who wants to be the change.  Join me as I wish my amazing daughter, Raquel, happy birthday.

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