Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the history of Black people. Typically, we highlight individuals of interest or importance. Is that to say that the general consensus is that all Blacks are not?
For so long, our history was just that, “his story” — only what White folks felt we needed to know and what we were able to take proper credit for. Much of our story went untold. This limited view was designed to keep self-esteem down and keep people of color from being proud or knowledgeable of their legacy. How can one know where they are going when they don’t know where they’re coming from? History for Blacks was not in the books or the schools, at least not in any accessible way for everyone.
All Blacks are people of interest and importance. For real, though, all PEOPLE are of great interest and importance, regardless of the amount of melanin in their skin. Together we make up one race — the human race — with many differences, shades and personalities.
Of all the candidates for me to acknowledge here, all of whom are quite brilliant, I choose a lady and a woman who was all about equality. She saw no color and prayed for everyone. She was the most, caring, loving, kind and considerate person.
She was a dedicated worker and overcame many obstacles through her life. She graduated high school at 15 and came to D.C. on her own. She was crowned a beauty queen of the YWCA at 16 while staying there (a regular tradition in the ’50s) She went on to American University, became a dental administrator with a private practice for over 35 years and taught at Howard University. That was before she became ill, probably from because of such hard work professionally and taking care of her three children, neglecting herself. That lady is the most notable person in African-American history and is none other than my mother.
I love you, Mushie.
