As Black History Month comes to a close, it dawns on me that I am filled with mixed emotions. While part of it is a time to celebrate triumph over trial, shining light on the dark parts of it is heavy work, there is sadness that comes in waves as I acknowledge the duality of the past and the present.
While I focused my energy this month on telling the life stories of others in a factual and respectful way, 13 Historically Black Colleges received bomb threats on February 1 alone. It is not a coincidence that the FBI was able to gather enough evidence to determine these to be racially motivated threats. In 2022, being Black is enough to be a target.
I imagine the folks behind these bomb threats, and folks that protest Black History month, hold a perspective in which they feel “othered.” Like the only child in class that didn’t get an invitation to a birthday party happening over the weekend. As if in some way they are excluded, because they themselves are not Black.
The truth is Black History is a shared history.
Black progress is a shared victory. While not highlighted, I was aware all month long that in every story there were white activists and sympathizers. They were abolitionists, and Freedom Riders, and instrumental in changing history. These were people who got their hands dirty. There were Underground Railroad conductors, Freedom Riders like James Zwerg, philanthropist like Richard Humphreys, spy ring operators like Elizabeth Van Lew, and many others. It was everyone coming together that forced real change.
Worthy causes have always required allies. Thankfully the work of past generations has not been in vain because inhumane and cruel social constructs have been eradicated but the fact remains there is still need for progress on many fronts. There is still a need for advocacy and activism. This is because although the month of February is coming to a close, Black history, Black joy, Black exploitation, Black pain, and racism isn’t over.
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona Aundrea Sayrie is a firm believer in the power of words, faith and a strong spirit. Her greatest desire is to encourage those around her to discover and honor their truth, and to passionately live on purpose.
