Don't Celebrate Black History; Implement It

The effects of racism are deep. We can't nice our way out of it, or cute our way, or be kind enough to solve racial equity problems. This work requires anger, action, and real-world solutions.

Don't think by spending this month parading Black inventors and civil rights leaders that you have made a difference in the Black community. Teachers and organizations do this every year in February. Instead, examine what you have learned from those inventors and leaders?

What have you done to make a difference? What are you willing to risk to stand up for real racial justice and equality? It might feel good to march with like-minded individuals or, to argue with others on social media. But, when you are with family and that one uncle makes a racist joke, do you laugh?

When you look around your workplace and see only White faces, do you speak up and question if that is intentional? When you walk your dog, do you pay attention to whether you have Black neighbors?

We know what our Black ancestors did and how they contributed much more than some give them credit for. But what good is celebrating their contribution when we are not willing to implement their lessons?

We are smart, capable, hardworking, beautiful people. If you know and realize this, then help us tell others. Better yet, help us show others. If you can, hire us. Contract with us. Don't just shop at our stores. Use us for bulk orders and long-term purchase commitments.

Vote for us. Support our campaigns. Recommend us for leadership positions. Stop talking and listen to us.

Give to our organizations. Volunteer with us. Become as intentional about eradicating racism as those past racists were in employing it.

Only then will February be a month worth celebrating because, it will be the end of segregating our history from American history.