We’ve come a long way from Negro History Week to Black History Month and yet too often the celebrations that are planned in predominantly white spaces are nothing short of lackluster, rarely bringing a modern-day context to the celebration or acknowledgement that Black history is a continually evolving living history in which we all play a role.
Part of the problem is that for non-Black people, too often there is a sense of being a passive celebrator. Yet, in this current climate there is immense opportunity. We can make real racial change by moving from passive observation to active engagement if we move past our own internal roadblocks and fears of messing up.
Black history is more than just the named activists, agitators and changemakers—it encompasses the full scope of Black humanity, and our celebration of Black history needs to be inclusive of the full range of Black humanity. Celebrate not just the overcoming of adversity, but celebrate our joys, our passion, and our magic. Understand why we celebrate this history and the importance of naming race—and, yes, racism—in our communities. Let the celebration of Black history be a journey and not a destination.
[For more on this story by Shay Stewart-Bouley & Debby Irving, go to http://www.yesmagazine.org/peo...ack-history-20180208]
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