By Cheryl Mattox Berry
It’s Black History Month, and the calendar is full of activities. It’s overwhelming trying to see and do everything in 28 days. No disrespect, but I don’t think black history should be relegated to one short month. It should be observed throughout the year.
Here’s a suggestion: Let’s use February to kick off a yearlong black history celebration. Each month, look for things to do that teach you something about the role black Americans played in shaping this country. It can be a lecture at a university, play or an exhibit.
If you’re black, invite an elderly relative to be the guest of honor at Sunday dinner. Ask her to tell stories about what it was like when she was growing up. Let the kids interview her. You’d be surprised at the things they want to know.
Don’t forget to ask her for family recipes. Create a cookbook so that everyone can enjoy homemade biscuits and sweet potato pies for generations.
Also, ask family members if they were active in the civil rights movement or witnessed some of the events that occurred during that era. Allow them to share their stories at family gatherings. Make sure you videotape these sessions. They might come in handy for school assignments or family reunions.
Most black families have an old Bible. Find yours and look for names you’ve never heard before. Find out who those people are and what they did back in the day. That is your history. Write it down and pass it on.
You might not realize it, but you’re witnessing black history and American history every day. Keep a journal of things that happen and record your reaction to them. Here are some examples of events that you’ll be able to share when you get older:
1. The election of President Barack Obama, the first black president
2. The Great Recession
3. The growth of social media
4 Terrorism
5. War in Afghanistan and Iraq
6. Gay marriage
The list goes on and on. The next generation will assume that things have always been the way they are. You’ll be there to set the record straight and give them a personal history lesson at the same time.