A Black History Month Pep-Talk

Ok, y’all, bring it in. It’s time for a pep-talk, Black History Month edition. Many of us have seen the concerted “step-back”. From the disrespect of our history and heritage from some of the highest seats in our government to the intentional dismantling of hard fought protections in employment and education, we have all felt it.

I am going to hold your hand when I say this: None of that matters. It does not matter who is riding with us. It does not matter who is not. It does not matter who else is upholding our culture and heritage. It does not matter who is not. Yes, it’s nice. It’s nice to see the Black History Month collaborations and partnerships. It’s nice to see special time being designated to learn and discuss our heroes and heroines. It feels good. It feels affirming. But, while we should continue to speak out against the silencing of our stories and the disenfranchisement of our people, we also need not lose sight of who really matters when it comes to celebrating us.

All that matters is that we, Black folk, celebrate us. This is a reminder that we, Black folk, have never needed the approval of anyone outside of our culture in order to celebrate us. Period. We have never needed anyone’s approval to celebrate who we are, where we’ve been, what we’ve come through, and where we are going.

Black folks are a walking, talking, breathing testimonies of “in spite of”. In spite of oppression, we progress forward. In spite of historic trauma, we are committed to healing. In spite of economic oppression, we still find ways to thrive. In spite of threats to our education, we still are some of the top educated folks in our fields. In spite of the pain, we still have joy.

But even more than that; our joy and our celebration are not merely reactions to all that we’ve endured, experienced, and overcome, but often is based in a genuine love and respect for our culture. We love our food. We love our dialects. We love our music. We love our fashion. We love our elders. We love our ancestors. We love us, and say as much.

This month, let us just love us. Yes, because we continue to progress in spite of systemic oppression and virulent hatred. But more importantly, let’s love us from a genuine love of just loving us. And let’s love us loudly. Let’s appreciate us loudly. Let’s embrace us loudly. Let’s affirm us loudly. Let’s be us loudly. Our history is rich. Our culture is multifaceted. Our experiences are diverse. We deserve that love, and we don’t need anyone else to give it to us but us.

Want to celebrate some Black History here in Philly? We got you:

Here are 16 Black museums, memorials, and historic sites you can visit.

Learn about Octavius Catto, a champion for equality whose life was cut short ensuring Black folk’s right to vote.

Learn about Sadie T.M. Alexander, the brilliant mind who shattered glass ceilings in academia and law.

While Rocky is made up, these Black Boxers left a very real legacy in the city.

Learn about the surprising connections between Philly and Rev. Dr. King, Jr.