This is Black History Month. It is the time set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our people. Sometimes it seems like we get stuck on same historical figures from past. But the truth of the matter is that we are making history every day, but most people don't know our stories.
At Wednesday night service last week the minister preached from the topic, "You Don't Know My Story". If we are of any age, we have a story. Some of our stories are uplifting and some are depressing, but our stories make us who we are. It's time to share our stories not just with our circle of friends, but with those across racial, religious, cultural, and socio-economic lines. In other words we must share our stories with those who are different with us. A dialog that had largely been relegated to the margins is now taking place in the mainstream. When we share our stories, we get to see the other person as an individual human being, not a part of a group that we have held preconceived notions about.
So for this Black History Month do something totally radical and share your story. Share your triumphs and your pains. There are generations of men and women who struggle to find out who they are and need to hear from you.
Back to the original question - What does it mean to be Black? For me, being Black means that I have a history of perseverance built into my DNA. It means that when I am told 'no', I ask why and I keep on asking. It means that sometimes I have to live in a dual universe where I play the games of society and still navigate my blackness. For me, it is not conforming to the European standards of beauty but embracing and loving every part of my being. Being Black is an awesome responsibility and I am called to share my story.
If you did not get to see "In Our Words" this morning, there will be additional screenings on the 18th and 25th of this month. Go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/INOURWORDS1/ for information on when and where you can see this awesome documentary.
But in the meantime let's share our stories, In Our Words.