I’m not sure, but this year’s annual celebration of Black History Month has felt different. “Persuasive”, “humbling” and “evocative” come to mind, too. Certainly informative and necessary..
A few weeks ago, President Biden voiced one reason for his hope in this country’s future: “Have you seen the TV commercials?” he asked. “All the racially diverse couples?” After he made that observation, I saw what he meant. Today’s TV commercials send a consistent message: Mixed-race families are part of the fabric of American life.
Television commercials aren’t perhaps the best way to measure how our society works, I’ll grant you. But I think they have complemented various elements of this year’s Black History Month observance: The PBS series on the Black Church—an invitation to look deep into Black spirituality. The new books, fiction and non-fiction, that detail the trials and triumphs of our Black brothers and sisters over time. Nightly news programs that feature close-to-home stories of “ordinary” Black men and women who are legitimate heroes for all of us. The presence of powerful, seasoned Black leaders at the top of our governance. Journal features about persistent inequities and injustices that too many Black families encounter—and somehow overcome with insistent hope. So much about Black lives does matter!
These recurring reports have been inspiring for me—Over and over again, I’ve seen up close the excellence, love, wisdom and genius that this part of our culture offers to all of us. I’ve come to understand again how fiercely Black women and men stand up for each other, for what’s true. For what’s righteous.
This has been an engaging Black History Month, and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to learn from sisters and brothers who are Black.
The learning will continue….
