CHARMYRA E. FLEMING
Feb 1, 20213 min
Greetings and Good Morning Everyone,
This morning it's cold and the snow is finally here! It snowed all day Sunday, and today the snow saga continues...but that's ok because, I'm here for it! Today, I want to take a few moment to acknowledge the importance of the day. It is February 1st and today kicks off 'Black History Month.' I feel like we never really acknowledge the history of how and why it got started. So today, I want to take some time to remember the man behind Black History Week which ultimately became, "Black History Month!" So, let's without further delay let's dive into this message.
We're living in a time when misinformation and disinformation is prevalent, and the need to hold on to our history is so important. Carter G. Woodson was a scholar and dedicated his life and career to the field of African-American History. He was only the second African-American to graduate from Harvard University with a doctorate, behind W.E.B. DuBois. In the African-American community, I've always heard complaints about the month February being chosen for Black History Month because, it's so short. Did you know that Carter G. Woodson initially chose February for the weeklong celebration known as, 'Negro History Week' as a way to honor the birth months, of Abolitionist, Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln? So, this month was definitely chosen with purpose and intention behind it. Now that I live in the vicinity of the Washington, D.C. area, which is where Woodson transitioned from his earthly life into the spiritual in 1950; I'm realizing how many incredible African-Americans lived in this area and made such an indelible impact on American History. We should never want to forget the importance of our heroes throughout history! Each Monday this month, I will honor some of the lesser known African-Americans that may not always get the shine, but definitely made huge impacts within the culture and our greater society as a whole. It is the everlasting legacy of Carter G. Woodson of why it is so important that we always bring love and light to the giants of African-American History. We cannot forget, and it is up to you and I to make sure future generations learn about these individuals, and keep passing the memories on so that they live forever! I hope that you remember the amazing Black Americans that came before us, and fought for the greater good for us all and wanted us to live up to the ideals and principles that this country was founded upon. We carry power within us from the ancestors and it brings me great joy to be a African-American. I am a Black woman with extreme pride in my culture and ancestry.
As I close, please take time to remember the life and legacy of many African-Americans this month that extend beyond the well-known, such as, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Frederick Douglas. For me, it reminds me of why I'm here, and the legacy I hope to leave for my future descendants, but also for those that stumble upon my work. For instance Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Maybe check out Bessie Coleman, the first license Black pilot in the world, or Gwendolyn Brooks, one of the most revered poets of the 20th Century, and she was the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. So, take some time and go down the "rabbit hole", it's definitely worth the journey of discovery a rich and wonderful treasure trove of Black Excellence!
Charmyra E. Fleming is a romance author with a deep desire to M.OTIVATE | A.SPIRE | I.NSPIRE, her readers and beyond to live their lives with purpose, intention, and full of passion. Thank you for reading her blog post this morning. Hey, do her a favor, if you like or love this post, comment on it. She'd love to hear your feedback. Also, please feel free to share it with your family and friends in the social media universe. Your support is greatly appreciated!