Another February is coming to a close. What did you do to celebrate the rich history to which the month has been nationally dedicated? Don’t feel bad if you were unable to attend a program, or failed to watch any of the movies or television shows that provide some much needed information. It happens. But, let’s face it, it’s the same information, year after year. Wait a minute. “The People vs O.J.” was added to the mix. Don’t be distracted. There’s so much more to learn than the 4 people and the 2 events that are typically associated with Black History month.
There is an Akan (African language of Ghana) word, Sankofa. It means “to fetch”. Associated with the word is a principle and proverb, “Se wo were fi na wo sankofa a yenkyi.” Translated it is, “It is not wrong to go back and fetch what we have forgotten.” It is often illustrated with a large bird with his head turn backward; he has the future in his mouth but looking back to his past. It is very similar to the American concept of by not knowing your past, you may be doomed to repeat it.
That said, it is as important, if not more so, with the political, social, racial climate in America that we fight harder to keep the traditions and true history that completely encompasses the Black American experience. I.e., go back and fetch what we’ve forgotten. There is an argument to be made on how little of Black history is taught in school. It’s deplorable! But, it’s no excuse. However unfair you think it is, we must take the telling and passing on of Black history upon ourselves. The stories that were passed from slave to slave, from plantation to plantation of great people, places and accomplishments of generations were done without books and lessons in classrooms. They were kept alive, hope was kept alive out of sheer fear of losing the most basic part of ourselves…our heritage. OUR! Not just Black heritage, all of ours. Everyone’s heritage is intertwined. If one part is lost, all is lost!
The election of Obama was history and worth celebrating, but Black history is more than that one moment in time. True celebration of Black history is celebrating moments, but also what happened before to allow that moment to happen; the progress that each new moment represents; and, all that is left that needs to be accomplished so that there are more Obamas, Kings and Matthew Hensons. You don’t recognize that last name? Weren’t taught it in high school? Look it up and keep Black History month alive!
