Moments in Black: My Black History Lesson

Post date: Feb 20, 2013 2:55:28 AM

My black history lessons began at a young age. At home,I learned of Afro American leaders and pioneers who paved the way that I could receive an education and have the right to vote. Told often in a narrative tone sometimes by grandmother and at other times by my father,I often sat with an inquisitive mind listening to the brave and courageous acts of blacks fighting for equality and wanting a better life. During Black History Month,the black history lessons I learned at home would also be reinforced in the classroom.From books to film documentaries,at a young age,I slowly began to understand the importance of Black History as well as having a month designated to Black History. As the years progress,I began to gather the full scope of the events that occurred to blacks before the Emancipation Proclamation. Sadly more than four hundred years later,numerous blacks continue to feel the effects of being consider substandard and a 2nd class citizen. Aside from the social and economic ills that continue to plague Black America,through education and understanding the scope and range of Black History remains the key to unlocking doors of opportunity and tearing down barriers to wealth and prosperity,I view Black History as a part of a historical truth and Black History Month as a time to remember and celebrate those truths as well as,the leaders and the pioneers whose lives has inspired millions.