BLACK HISTORY MONTH: THE REFOCUS

Around this time of year, in the midst of Black History Month, most people’s opinions fall in one of three categories.
Non-black people are typically falling into “why isn’t there a *insert ethnicity here* Month” category. From there, black people side with one of the remaining two categories. Either celebratory and appreciative of the month, or those who like me are not complacent with the status quo of how repetitive and tiresome Black History Month has become.
In my childhood, my family celebrated by participating in Black History Month programs where the focus was primarily the civil rights actions of Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks.
Over a decade later, and the same sentiments during this month are still being expressed and selective of the same historical leaders.
To force all of black history into the shortest month of the year and to dedicate this time annually to the same people is outrageous.
Black History is more than slavery, more than the civil rights movement, and more than 28 days. Black History isn’t just about having a dream, or peaceful protests. Black History is resilient, tragic but overcoming, and the epitome of roses growing through the concrete.
Black History Month should be, alternatively in August, the month symbolizing beauty and strength of character, a full 31 days for black bliss. It is also of significance that the month be dedicated toward change, growth, and prosperity of all black peoples.
Surpassing simple programs and hashtags on Twitter, work towards reaping reparations can be put in motion, rebuilding black communities, educating brown and black people on their civil rights and how to protect them, and mirroring black excellence back at the same country that denies it.
A month honorary to all historical black pioneers, from George Washington Carver and his innovations with peanut butter, to the Black Panthers who militantly fought for the defense of black people, to Mansa Musa an African emperor, all the way to Tupac Shakur and his love for black people. No matter how big or small the contribution, Black History Month should be dedicated to not only those who succeeded in the face of injustice, but those who tried as well.