Jacksonville Creatives/Influencers Speak On Their Meaning of Black History Month
Every February, people around the world observe the history of the great African Americans. The movement name: Black History Month. Various institutions, groups, schools and individuals take the time to honor the many roles blacks have in the scope of history. From James Weldon Johnson to Beyonce, people pay respects to these, and other blacks that have change the world with their talents, words and creations.
A few Jacksonville (Florida) creatives shared their thoughts on what Black History Month means to them. Check out the replies below.
Black History Month to me is more of a designated timeframe to acknowledge how our people, bred and raised with less than, RISE and CREATE necessary contributions to American Society. It's our time to appreciate the unappreciated, inspire those who are always discouraged and uplift those who are constantly overlooked.
Although we should treat everyday as Black History Month and honor ours everyday!
To me, it means a time for remembrance & celebration of those who’ve helped build the very foundation of this country. Its a time to come together to shine light on all accomplishments of our ancestors. Although we should do this every month, this month, we have to make sure we shine the light a little brighter and continue to remind not only ourselves but the WORLD that BLACK history will never die & we as the descendants WILL keep it alive!
Black History is beautiful. Its one thing I can constantly use to remind me how far we’ve come. The creativity, the love, the compassion that we possess is so powerful.
It may never be talked about, but I grew up with a guy named E.J. Vincent and he’s a lawyer in Louisiana, which still has some racial undertone. He left Florida, went and chased his dream, fighting for immigration and criminals that have been wrongfully convicted.
That’s an idol. That’s someone who looks like me and that makes me smile and be proud of who I am. It also motivates me. If your history doesn’t motivate you to get better or change, your past has failed you.
It means the celebration of our culture. Teaching the history of our people, the correct history to the next generation. Not letting people who try to ignorantly water down our history, tell lies and spread narratives. It’s about knowing of the hardships our people went through from the Atlantic slave trade. The enduring times of being slaves, white slave owners separating our families for their own needs. What we did to help build this country! Our part in helping the north win the Civil War.
To somewhat gaining our freedom by Abraham Lincoln. Our struggle of learning what it meant to be free, without proper resources. Our brilliant inventors, who never got credit for their inventions. Our leaders who broke boundaries and pushed for equality. How our culture saved music during the disco era of the 70s. How hip hop changed a generation for the 80s and 90s. All of that is our BLACK HISTORY!
Black History Means to me a month to celebrate the greatness of black people. To remember we sit on the shoulders of greatness.