BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month wasn’t even recognized by the Commander in Chief until 1976 when Gerald Ford acknowledged its existence, 50 years after historian, author, and activist Dr. Carter G. Woodson created “Negro History Week.” 

That didn’t stop us from observing it and celebrating our achievements. And after an action-packed week where individuals continued their war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI caused a deadly plane crash? Even though all the pilots were experienced), and folks speculated on whether the White House will cancel BHM commemorations, it’s worth remembering that we don’t wait to be seen. We see ourselves. 

Diversity is our super power! From the three-light traffic signal, refrigerated trucks, automatic elevator doors, color monitors for desktop computers, to the shape of the modern ironing board, the clothes wringer, blood banks, laser treatment for cataracts, home security systems and the super-soaker children’s toy, many objects and services Americans use every day were invented by Black men and women. These innovators were recognized for their inventions, but countless other inventors of color have gone largely unrecognized. Others are completely lost to history.

The annual theme for Black History Month, and this year, is Black Labor. 

America did not have to tell us that we built this country; our fingerprints are etched into the stone. Lets ensure all know our contributions to the United States.

The start of Black History Month — is our opportunity to make history by working together for progress. So, let’s redouble our efforts to support each other, let’s fight to ensure our children are getting the education that will set them up for success, let’s maintain high expectations, let’s hold ourselves and elected officials accountable. We stand at the intersection of the past and the future; if we stand together no one can stop us including racism. We control our destiny. 

President Coleman