Ana Gomez, Assc. Director of Strategic Partnerships for Hamilton Families, pays tribute to Black History Month, and a plea to continue allyship and advocacy beyond February.
Hamilton Families on Medium.com • Feb. 1, 2021 • By Ana Gomez
Today marks the first day of Black History Month for 2021. Every February, the U.S. recognizes and celebrates the lives and achievements of African Americans. It has only been 45 years since February has been federally recognized as Black History Month. Almost 100 years ago, Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, declared the second week of February to be “Negro History Week” to encourage the teaching of black American history in public schools.
Woodson once said, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” While white colonization and supremacy rejected and neglected to include the realities of the Black community in their history books and narratives, the resilience of the people has shone through and survived into the 21st century. The Black Lives Matter movement has been incredibly impactful, having organized peaceful demonstrations in more than 500 cities during the summer of 2020.
It’s so important to think about how others may feel, because we are all different, shaped and impacted by our unique backgrounds, experiences, and morals. Considering other people’s feelings is empathy. This is a reminder, for me, that we are each precious with limited energy and resources. We should resist the urge to judge others, as judging can take more energy than showing respect and love. If we all do this, we can always be allies and advocates, and not just in February
Learn more about Ana’s work on the Strategic Partnerships team to end family homelessness at hamiltonfamilies.org.