Black History Women – Photo credit: http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com
It’s Black History Month, and as Chris Rock puts it, it happens on the shortest, coldest month, just in case we want to have a parade...As we commemorate the firsts of pioneering African-Americans through history, celebrate our heritage through educational and artistic events, even recreate their images in the media, let’s also be reminded that our individual stories, as women and minorities everywhere, whether in life or at work, happen every day, every month, every year. And we get to make a difference every day, to re-write History, and tell our own stories for others to be inspired as they write their own…
In 1773, Phillys Wheatley became the first African-American woman to publish a book, despite the fact she was sold into slavery at the ripe age of 8! Ms. Wheatley is my personal heroine, across history, gender and race, because not only did she make her own story, she also managed to let her voice be heard by telling it! At a time when commercial hits such as Selma, which has grossed over $32 million and was nominated for both Best Picture and Best Song Oscars, speak historical truths to our hearts and minds, we still need to own our stories and tell them for all to hear! Despite the fact our economic power does indeed have the power to sway the balance, too many of us are still painfully silent…
It takes more than 28 days to own our history, past and present. While Black History Month is a great time to be reminded of those who fought, struggled and let their stories be told for the rest of us to walk through the doors they’ve helped open, let’s let it be just that, a reminder! A reminder to keep on keepin’ on every day of every month of every year of our own personal History. A reminder to make a difference in our own lives and that of others, amidst our own circumstances, however challenging or fortunate they may be.
A reminder that just like Phyllis Wheatley, it is our responsibility as people, across race, gender, nationality and ethnic origin, to always strive for more. You are the heroine of your own History, you have the power to write and re-write it the best way you know how. And this History, your History, lasts much longer than 28 days…
“The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom.” – Phillys Wheatley
The Corporate Sis.
