What is Black History?
While Black History Month serves as an important reminder of the struggles and achievements of the past, it is equally crucial to shift our focus towards the present and the future. Black History should include our recent experiences including those things that happened yesterday.
Black History Month is a celebration of Families, Culture and Heritage.
Heritage Celebration Night
Voices of Change Panel Discussion
Community Storytelling Workshop
Every Year, we participate in the planning and execution of Black History Month for organizations.
We cannot forget who we are from the descendants of African slaves who are in Canada, America, the West Indies etc. to African immigrants worldwide including all new black immigrants.
The members of the Black community span across a vast spectrum of cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences.
Our backgrounds and perspectives are very diverse but amid it, the Black communities still share experiences of discrimination and adversity, but we have forged a strong bond amongst ourselves.
The Black community is blessed in many ways
- From the vibrant rhythms of West Africa,
- To the soulful melodies of the Caribbeans,
- To the African American struggles over many years for civil rights and so much more,
- The history of Black people is what I will call a multifaceted gem.
We celebrate Black History month as a time to cherish and honor all the many narratives of the Black Community, but I would like to encourage us to also use this as a time of forward thinking and reflection.
Many of us have grown up in societies where Black history was not given the pride of place it deserves; African immigrants often bring with them a deep awareness of their own rich history and heritage, and we see that in the way our children showing a lot of pride in our culture including music.
This knowledge that was taught is a powerful tool for empowerment and resilience, and it is something that we can all learn from and appreciate.
Yet, while these stories inspire pride, they alone will not dismantle the systems of racism that persist today.
Why is this Important?
Black History Month is usually a time the government, organizations and corporations throw their weight behind their drive to show an image of valuing diversity, inclusion and being welcoming.
Let us use Black History Month as a platform to discuss the current impact of racism on our lives and communities.
What can we do?
We can all work towards real change by actively engage in finding practical solutions to the challenges we face today.
This could mean that
- We work together to advocate for policy reforms,
- We support initiatives that promote equality,
- We foster open conversations about race and racism, even when they are uncomfortable.
- We encourage Black presence across various sectors, from business and education to politics and entertainment. Brothers and Sisters, Representation matters, and by actively participating in these areas, we can influence change from within.
Speak up, get involved, get our children involved, encourage our generation, encourage the next generation to take steps and make a difference.
We must be part of the change – We are indeed blessed.
For more information on how we can assist with the planning and planning of your Black History Month Events