This Black History Month: A Reflection on My Grandmas and The Importance of Celebrating This Month

I remember as a little girl being chosen by my art teacher, a beautiful and caring white woman named Mrs. Hamilton, to participate in our school’s Black History Month art project. She had drawn huge outline pictures of well-known African-American figures we had been learning about in our other classes. Our job was to color in the pictures using chalk, and she encouraged us to enjoy coloring with all the beautiful shades of brown of these people.

I’ll never forget that experience. Her appreciation, in all ways, for the people we were coloring. Her seeing us and her helping us to see ourselves. And I’ll never forget the many Black History programs I’ve participated in and the month-long celebrations that have taught and inspired me, once a little black girl with so much insecurity, so much.

Honoring the Legacy of Black History Month: A Reflection on Its Importance

As Black History Month draws to a close, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in our journey of reflection and recognition. This month is more than a mere remembrance of the past; it’s an urgent reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of countless Black Americans who have shaped the nation. My grandmas, Agnes Owens and Ocie Williams, whose lives spanned nearly a century each, stand as powerful figures in this reflection. Their experiences, marked by resilience and grace amid adversity, remind me why Black History Month is vital for all Americans.

Why Remembering Matters

Most people know how much I love my girls, my grandmas. Writing books with each of them, gave me great insight in their lives that started in America in the 1920’s. Think about that. Their lives offer a poignant glimpse into the trials and triumphs of a century. From the Jim Crow era to the civil rights movement, their stories are not just personal memories but vital chapters of American history that speak to the broader Black experience. Their perseverance and wisdom have inspired not just their descendants but all who hear their stories. However, their significance extends beyond familial bonds—it underscores the critical importance of Black History Month as a national observance. 

This isn’t just about my grandmas though. Think of the millions of Black grandmothers and grandfathers. All of the ancestors. This month serves as a powerful antidote to the erasure and dilution of Black contributions to American history. It compels us to face the complexities of our past, including the painful realities and the inspiring victories. By doing so, we ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before us are not forgotten but are instead used as a beacon to guide future generations.

The Importance for All Americans

Understanding Black history is crucial for all Americans because it is integral to the complete narrative of our nation. It provides insight into the resilience and determination that have been pivotal in striving toward a more just and equitable society. Black history highlights the challenges and achievements of a significant portion of the American population, whose contributions have influenced every aspect of American culture, from the arts and sciences to politics and religion. Recognizing this rich heritage fosters empathy and unity, breaking down barriers of ignorance and prejudice.

As a resilience expert and primarily a youth speaker, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering youth and young adults through education and inspiration. I founded a nonprofit and created two curriculums (www.sowhatliteracyandlifeskillsprogram.com and www.100lessonsmygrandmastaughtme.com) focused on helping youth be more resilient, including understanding themselves and their identity. These efforts emphasize the importance of resilience and historical awareness as tools for young people to navigate life’s challenges. 

The Dangers of Forgetting

Forgetting or rewriting history poses a significant threat not just to the memory of individuals like my grandmothers but to the integrity of our nation’s narrative. When we neglect the stories of Black Americans, we risk losing the full spectrum of our nation’s heritage. Such loss not only impoverishes our understanding of the past but also weakens our resolve to fight for justice and equality today.

The celebration of Black History Month is a commitment to remember and to educate. It is an essential step in acknowledging that the history of Black Americans is the history of America itself—intertwined, complex, and indispensable. This acknowledgment is not just about giving credit where it is due; it’s about ensuring that the progress made through the sacrifices of Black elders is not reversed but advanced.

Continuing the Legacy

As we conclude Black History Month, let us not allow our recognition and respect for this important time to wane but rather let it intensify. We must carry forward the spirit of this month into every day of the year, ensuring that the history we celebrate and learn from today informs the actions we take tomorrow. We must honor the past by shaping a future that reflects our highest ideals of equality and justice—a future worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Let’s keep telling these stories, keep fighting for change, and keep building a legacy that future generations will inherit with pride.

Because like their are millions and grandmothers and grandfathers who have gone before us, there are millions or little girls and little boys (of all ages) who don’t and may not know who they came from, who they are, how great they are, and the undeniable impact Black people have had on this country.

What are some of your Black History Month memories?