Through out the month of February I have been observing Black History in a variety of ways- reading, sharing, reflecting, and celebrating. Pausing to celebrate Black History has led me to this important discovery- It is incumbent upon all of us to safeguard this rich heritage and build upon it to ensure that our children and their children have an even brighter future.
As I reflected upon some Black History facts, I discovered there were many facts that were new to me. For instance, did you know that Crispus Attucks was the first Black hero of the American Revolution? But even more significant is the fact that Attucks is a reminder that the African-American heritage is not only African but American and it is a heritage that begins with the beginning of America.
While reading about some of my favorite Black he/she-roes, I marveled at how they managed to dream big and with limited resources beat all odds to achieve their goals. There seemed to be a consistent theme- my he/she-roes were committed and did not give up; they didn't accept no and were creative in navigating around barriers; they exercised their faith in God; and they were able to galvanize others to support and join their cause. My he/she-roes were focused on a mission or purpose that was bigger than themselves.
A panelist on a Black History month webinar reminded participants that she was "proud to be Black." She just loved being Black. And as she said it, I echoed her sentiments. I too just love being Black. There is so much of who I am that is tied to me "being Black." Loving and being proud of our Blackness does not mean that we should be singularly defined by our Blackness but it does mean that our Blackness should not to be denied or ignored. There is color!
I attended a Black History celebration. We enjoyed eating our soul food, had fun listening and singing our soul tunes, and sharing our Black History stories. We all have stories. It's important that we share and document them. My story was personal. You see in 1968, I met Rev. Joseph A. DeLaine. Through our conversations, I learned his story. In the late 1940's he was an AME Pastor, teacher, and principal in Clarendon County South Carolina. As a stalwart member of the NAACP, he led the fight to address racial inequities in the public schools. Hence Briggs v. Elliott became known as the "Clarendon County case." In 1951, the three judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decided the case in a split two to one vote "to equalize schools for the races." In 1954, when Thurgood Marshall argued the Brown v. Board, included in this case was the Briggs v. Elliott. In South Carolina, many whites saw Rev. DeLaine as a "professional agitator." He lost his job, his house was burned to the ground, and was the KKK chased him out of SC; he was never able to return. He passed in 1974 living then in Charlotte, NC. In 2004, I was seated in the Rotunda of the US Capitol when Rev. DeLaine was awarded posthumously the "Congressional Gold Medal." We met in 1968 because he had located his long lost cousin, my mother. My grandmother and his father were brother and sister. Though our time together was short, I learned from him that when you stand, you can beat the odds against you. And many times one person standing can have a significant impact upon others. Standing can have far greater benefits than you can ever imagine!
As February comes to a close, it has been an enlightening month for me. As a person passionate about outcomes, my discoveries reminded me that it is important that we take action. Share your stories and inspire others. Dream big and do what is necessary to achieve your goals. Be courageous, remain committed to your life's mission and stand. Leverage the past to secure a brighter future for your children and their children.
The task before each of us is simple- It's Up to US! We CAN do it!!
