Black History is American History

This past year has brought to light so many social, economic, and racial issues that have been overlooked by policy makers and society for decades.

Black History Month is a critical time for people to remember our collective history to be aware of the present and future trailblazers. History should be shared among all cultures; everyone must be a part of knowing who has made a trail for opportunities of empowerment for the oppressed.

All lives matter but unfortunately some lives are treated less than dirt. This treatment is racial discrimination which is any discrimination against any individual because of their skin color, or racial or ethnic origin. People in society conducting business or simply interacting can discriminate by refusing to do business, socialize or share resources with people of a different race than theirs.

Black History Month was created then and now to remove negative and racist stereotypes ingrained in American culture attached to Black skin. Black history is not often taught in the public school systems and when taught it is not broad, and rich.

Black history should be taught in every school even if it is an all-white school.

This world is not all one “RACE”! How can the Nation become one Nation of God if we the people cannot understand the country’s politics, history, and democracy?

Countless Blacks have made historical movements to move the nation forward.

Just as other historical figures are given recognition, the same should be offered to these individuals because this is our history. Together we make movements happen not just Black history. Black History Month is the icing on the cake, history has many levels. It possesses the past and present, regressions, and progressions while

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‘A Political View’

By Sherry Holliman SHERRY HOLLIMAN (cont.)

February is the month provided to salute Black historical figures, it should also be a time to recognize the discrimination Black people continue to face and the work that needs to be done in order to achieve true equality. In fact, Black History Month should really last all year and it can.

Have you considered becoming a historical figure to fight racism and dismantling prejudices by changing one’s mindset and daily habits within your social circle? Start this subtle historical movement today in your family, with close friends and co-workers and use your privilege to help dismantle systemic racism, recognize the experiences of Black people by listening and engaging in conversations about race, reading literature that focuses on race relations, instead of thinking about Black people as one group, think of each as individuals, call out racist jokes and implicit and explicit statements, and challenge other people in your life to think critically about racism.

Also, remove the word colorblind from your vocabulary because this word actually perpetuates racism, and expose yourself to different environments in which you have the opportunity to interact with people of different races. There are a lot of changes each race can make to affect Black history. Black History Month should not be seen as a month of separation but as a true experience of different Black individuals or groups that have challenged the American system to improve or receive equalities that prevented them from having the American dream. It is a reminder of where this country has been and provide direction to where we need to go.

Recognizing and celebrating Black History Month is important because it allows history to be shared on a broader level to a wider audience to every age and race to see the progress made and the somberness of oppression still existing.

If all races of historians were included in the educational curriculum for all schools private and public would Black History Month be necessary?

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.