Black History Month
Black History Month
What does this month represent for She Slays ladies?
February is the commemoration of Black History Month. The Ladies of So She Slays share their thoughts about what this month means to them.
Heather:
“It’s a time to remember, reflect, rejoice, and react. That we as a society have made strides towards equality but still have so far to go.”
Candice:
“To me, it means a time to celebrate world leaders who have made significant reforms to our nation and globally as well. MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, just to name a few. Theres still so much racism and prejudice in the world but they’ve helped a lot of the people to see that we’re all human and we’re the same.”
Jazzmin:
“Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate black leaders that have made a positive impact on humanity. It is a reminder that we must learn from our mistakes and always strive for a better, united world. It brings to light the many horrors that black people were/are forced to endure and how they nevertheless have thrived in adversity. Black History Month is a time of respect and reflection.”
Myrelle:
“Growing up as an Asian American female, the only thing I pretty much knew about Black History Month was what I learned in history books. But throughout the past couple of years, with what’s been going on in our current government and pop culture, Black History Month, to me has become a reflection of the past and the present. I think it’s important to not only remember the struggles they endured in the past for the most basic rights, but also praise their accomplishments that have come along the way. They’ve made a huge impact to the society and world we live in today—from politics, music, fashion, and the list goes on . . .”
Christina:
“What Black History Month means to me is more than just a month. It is a time where we need to respect and honor those that have taught us so many great lessons that we must continue to learn from.”
Danielle:
“Black History Month is important for everyone, not just black people. It is an opportunity to share our culture and history with the rest of the world. As a black woman from Oakland, California — a place with a beautiful history of black people, I leap at the opportunity to share my knowledge of black history and to invite others into the power of what it means to be a back person. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn something new about black culture and black history. Move past the commonly referenced Martin Luther King Jr. and Sojourner Truth, and dig deep into the rich history of Black people. Most importantly, open your minds and your hearts this black history month. Research the history of black people where you live, you just may learn something new.”
Chauncey:
I am a Black woman in America. To be a woman in America is already a challenge, but to be a Black woman is in a whole different ballpark of obstacles. It is an obstacle that I love to fight daily.
We have never been seen the same way—from our hair, our style, our education, we have always been seen differently. We always have to strive to be higher than others. Yes, racism is prevalent in my life; but not as horrific as it is in other states. Luckily, I live in the Bay Area, and I've grown up with friends from different ethnicities and cultures, which has shaped me into who I am today.
In the past year, racism became an everyday struggle that you see on the news, experience in your personal life, or hear from your family or friends about what they’ve experienced. The worst part is that this is 2019—not 1964.
Black History Month. I remember learning about it in school, but the way I learned about it was from my family’s own experiences. My mom is from the Bay Area and my dad is from Detroit; you would be surprised the differences they had in the 1960s and 1970s. The shade of their skin has taught them many different lessons they have passed along to my sister and me. For instance, my mom is a beautiful chocolate woman, and my dad has a very light caramel complexion. Both sides of my families have taught me so much the good and the bad about being Black in America.
I am very proud to be a young Black woman living in America. It's not easy at all, but I love the color of my skin, my history, the curls of my hair and how I always have to strive to be the best in my fields. As a child, I wish I was just a little bit lighter to fit into what was “pretty” or to stop hearing “you are so pretty for a black girl.” But now I love myself so much and my chocolate skin complexion. I love how as a woman of color I can be someone to help other women of color strive to be the best. I strive for black excellence.”