The writer is head of classifieds and the business directory at Spotlight Newspapers.
Imagine, if you will, only contacting your mother on Mother’s Day. Giving a gift to your loved ones only on Christmas. Calling a friend, only on their birthday. Do you know that you can buy a dozen roses any day of the year? (And probably spend less than what you are charged on Valentine’s Day.)
We have exploited holidays and turned the true meanings into a materialist frenzy. Don’t get me wrong, I too indulge in the holidays and at times get caught up myself. Yet, I do take to heart the true meaning of them all. Thanksgiving should be every day, because we all have a reason to give thanks every day.
I believe that as a kid, we just followed the crowd. Halloween, for instance. It was just cool and “normal” to dress up and go from house to house receiving candy and other treats. It was “normal” on New Year’s Eve, to have black-eyed peas, collard greens, fish and stay up late.
Now that I am older, I see Halloween in a different light, and a pizza is more satisfying to me than the favorite food of old on New Year’s Eve!
My dad used to play tricks on my brothers and me the entire month of April. I thought I was being “smart” one day, after being the victim of a prank, by reminding him April Fools Day was April 1 and since it had passed, his pranks should too. My father quickly corrected me by stating that it is April Fools’. That meant that the month of April was ripe for pranks!
I mention all of this because this is February, now nationally known as Black History Month. For me, it’s not just about acknowledging the accomplishments, struggles and stories of my ancestors during this time. It’s about celebrating!
It’s not about remembering the past in a bad way, but knowing where we were and seeing how far we have come. It is not a time to harbor hatred or ill feelings. It is a time to say “thank you.” I would not be here or have been able to vote, go to college or have all that I do without the things my ancestors went through.
I celebrate black history every month, every day and every minute. When I look in the mirror, I see the strength and beauty of Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman and Bessie Blount. When I am down or discouraged, I hear the echoing words from Langston Hughes, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Carter Godwin Woodson that encourage me to go on.
I have read books, articles and seen movies and photographs. I have cried, been angry and depressed. I have also laughed, cheered and smiled until my face hurt. I chose, a long time ago, not to ignore the stereotypes, a derogatory statement, funny looks or “side jokes,” but to rise up from them and be a better person. I don’t see it as “running away”, but more moving in a different direction, changing course to something far better and more rewarding.
I was told a long time ago not to wait to learn something. I want to learn on my own, gathering my own experiences and forming my own opinions. I have learned to not only say “Thank you” for the many inventions, art and literature of my ancestors, but I give more praise for the sweat, blood and tears. I give a cheer for the hardship they went through, but a louder shout for facing it day after day.
I walked to school with friends without the fear of an angry mob waiting for me. I have sat in every seat on the bus without being told to move. I have been in a VIP section in a fancy restaurant without being ushered out the back door. I have drunk from fountains where the only label was “push here.”
I have chosen to celebrate life, my family and friends, every day. I have chosen to learn, teach and share. I have chosen to live, love and laugh. I have chosen not to ever forget, but to move on in a positive direction in hopes of fulfilling a dream. I hope you all do the same!
