Aside from my birthday month February is my favorite month. Why? It’s Black History Month. Although we get the “abbreviated” month– insert your joke of choice about Black folks getting the shortest month of the calendar year– I know this is one month when I will see quality television programming about Black folks doing something other than throwing drinks across tables, snatching each other’s wigs, or engaging in some other tomfoolery.
Every February there is a preponderance of programs at local libraries, schools and pageants at most Black churches focusing on the highlights of Negro history*: The Emancipation Proclamation, The Montgomery Bus Boycott, The March on Washington, David Dinkins being elected Mayor of New York , Vanessa Williams being crowned the first Black Miss America, Barack Obama becoming President of the United States. These are all well and good. However, Black History is more than just a month, nor is it just about the past. Our story did not begin in Montgomery and it did not culminate on Election Night 2008 or 2012. Our greatest moments aren’t in the past. We are making history right now.
So, what is the link between then and now? A desire for change. Change does not happen in one fell swoop; it occurs when folks just like us take risks, speak up, demand something better or simply try something new. Then & Now spotlights a history maker and her modern-day alter ego, the today-maker. Both embody the 40Muse woman: mature, focused, involved and committed to making change. Our history maker laid the groundwork; her modern-day complement continues the mission, enacting change within our communities now.
With all respect due to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, every month is Black History Month in my house and at 40Muse.com, so expect to see more Then & Now profiles in the near future.
* This is meant in a totally, completely ironic way.