Black History Month's True Mission
By Mary-Elizabeth Harper, Chair, Black Caucus, Clackamas County Democrats
Black History Month is about recognition, appreciation and observation of the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans to our society. It is American, Canadian and other countries' way of remembering the importance of people and events historically associated with Blacks (African Americans) in the month of February. Unfortunately, the celebration is limited to one month; however, the contributions should be remembered in each of the twelve months.
We must remember the true mission of Black History Month is not only to promote, expose, preserve, interpret, research and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture globally for Black Americans, but also to show respect and appreciation to Black people. Diversity, equity and inclusion afford us a larger vision within our increasingly smaller world. Diversity encompasses, but is not limited to ethnicity, race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, physical and mental abilities and characteristics and philosophy.
Black History Month focuses on demonstrating a growing awareness to address how white power and privilege have been institutionalized and become inherent of white advantage shaping our world. Black History Month should structurally recognize the racism that serves as a barrier to many Blacks. We as Democrats must engage in strategies to develop a shared understanding against systemic racism across all levels of society.
To broaden your perspectives, I recommend reading the following:
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo;
His Name Is George Floyd: One Man's Life and The Struggle for Racial Justice by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa;
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama