As an immigrant (turned citizen many years ago), Black History used to have a different connotation. I was partially raised in Jamaica West indies until I was 10 years old. The Caribbean was unique in environment, mentality and lifestyle. Government, poverty, anger and frustration existed but it was based on a class system and poverty in Jamaica was a lot worse than in the US. However, in the Caribbean one's survival instincts was constantly utilized which allowed people to oftentimes flourish even under the harshest of conditions. My grandmother used to have a saying "if it no kill you, den it wi fatten u!" Translation, if something doesn't kill you, then it will make you better! In the Caribbean you didn't get upset because you don't have the latest fashion, you were grateful for whatever roof you had over your head, food was an appreciated commodity and you were grateful for the necessities of life. Technology was rare and people craved education because they understood that it was a direct path to freedom. Back then and even now, Caribbeans have a unique art of truly making something out of nothing.
When I came to the United States I was thrown for a loop. The richness of this country can be overwhelming! I finally understood why so many foreigners get the impression that money is grown on trees and America is the land of abundance! However, In my over 20 years of residing in the US, I learned about another level of politics, greed, racism, anger, frustration and oppression. Although on the surface everything in this country sparkled with promise and flashed pseudo-riches, I learned that the mental and emotional bondage far outweighed the material wealth. I learned about the civil rights movement and all the deaths that occurred because people wanted their basic freedoms; I learned about people being spat on, called horrible names, burned to death, mutilated, hung in public, bodies dragged by a vehicle until it's pulled apart to pieces...some of the history of this country saddened me to my very core. I never understood the magnitude of oppression and suppression until I arrived in this country. I used to criticize Americans and felt in many ways that people here were shiftless and lazy. I wondered why so many African Americans seemed down and out...how could that be in the land of abundance? However, my own experiences over the years made me have a clearer understanding of why people in America have been so bitter and angry.
Lately people have negative things to say about President Obama. A large portion is coming from right winged individuals. Then there are those who think that he is way over-exposed and cannot understand all the praise and attention he is getting! In very short order the novelty is wearing off for many because of the severity of our economy. However, I'm holding on to what has happened in recent history near to my heart because from the view where I'm standing, an African American President was needed in this country. The Obamas reign in this country is a healing that Americans needed...black, white and otherwise. Black people needed the opportunity to hold their heads high; caucasions needed the relief of the guilt they have been carrying from their ancestor's narrow-mindedness and hate and foreigners needed to feel like this is a place where they can belong and be respected for their hard work. January 20th this country came full circle and now the healing process can begin for many. We have created a demarcation line of boundaries that has to be respected. How exciting!
This month celebrate the Rich Black History we all should be proud of. The African American heritage in this country is filled with GREATNESS. We have overcome and surpassed major obstacles set before us and we should be truly proud. Look at what The Obamas have brought back - the example of a true genuine, loving marriage, a family that put each other first (especially their children), a curriculum vitae that one can be proud of and a true relationship with the general public while understanding their needs. There is movement happening, people are waking up and taking charge of their lives!
Celebrate the lives of those who paved the way for us, many are gone, but some are still here. There are many that fought alongside Martin Luther King just as hard and was paving the way before him, during his reign and after him, those people should be held in high esteem. I'm honored that we have a month dedicated to us where we can learn more, teach our children and reflect on how far we've come.
I'm proud to be an American and I'm grateful that my family and I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful and rich American history. One of my favorite hymns says it all....
“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; trusting in his holy Word, he’s never failed me yet. Oh, can’t turn around, we’ve come this far by faith.’’
Happy Black History month!
