By: Sukia Freeman
At work, Its 11:50 am. Lunch is near. So why not go warm my food up? Outside of the cafeteria, there is a bulletin board highlighting all announcements for the team. I knew my food would take a few minutes. I find some things to read. I sift through all the hanging papers on the board and find an “Engagement Calendar.” Companywide, there is a calendar hung showcasing all the fun activities for the month with exclusive promo for the holidays. I scan through the dates, I see an engagement for Valentine’s Day, a major holiday, and then random activities planned for the other days. I check my cell phone just to make sure I’m not tripping. It’s definitely February 1. To my surprise, there was nothing acknowledging Black History Month. Maybe, it’s posted on another board. NOPE. Maybe there’s a separate announcement. NADA. My building is predominantly black and brown.
It wasn’t the fact that I had to email HR reminding them about Black History Month that bothered me. It was the casual reply that I could only deduce to “Oh yeah, we forgot. Although, we already have an engagement team in place. How about you think of something for it.” A huge slap in the face once more. Another way that they continuously ignore the contribution of black and brown people for this country.
Honestly, I’m tired of trying to get people to acknowledge our history and greatness. That part of me is done. This is why I teach my son, Jalil, about his Black History. I cannot depend on a system that was never made for us to celebrate, let alone properly educate us. Jalil will one day have to go to school and go out in the world without mommy and daddy. He has to be equipped with the knowledge and pride of his very own people. Jalil needs to know his history: the good and the ugly. It is our duty to educate our children in all things Black History.
Jalil will walk upright and be proud of who he is and where he comes from. That starts with me. To my melinated mommies, I salute you. YOU are a part of black history. Keep teaching your babies about their black greatness.
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
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