Because there's always more than one way to go about uplifting all things Black. Here's five:
1. Support Black Businesses
This should go without saying, but February shouldn't be the only month we make an effort to support local Black businesses. But, since we're at it, we might as well go hard this month. We thrive when we keep our coins in our own communities, so supporting Black businesses is just another way to support yourself. And even if the goods are a little pricey, I'd rather Local Lisa take my money so she can pay rent than for Oligarch Oliver to exploit my pockets any day.
2. Read Black Writers
Knowledge is power. It's only cliché because it's true. To me, knowledge is most powerful when it's passed down directly. I'm a bit biased, being a writer and all, but books are literally one of the most valuable things we can produce. We teach the next generations, document our lives, and create new perspectives, all with books. After years of reading stories written by people who don't look like me, learning about Black writers and their works is beyond refreshing. So read a Black story, learn a Black theory, think Black thoughts.
3. Recall Your Own History
The obvious is often times the most important. History is ours to keep and our responsibility to pass down. But, you can't pass down what you don't know. Do what this month is all about: learn what once was, so we can improve what will be.
4. Renew Your Mind
If we never consider why we do the things we do, those things begin to lose their meaning. Aside from our history, our journey, the truth, there is theory. If history is the "what", then theory is the "why". When we recall why we even have a Black History Month, why Black people all over the globe are where and who they are today, we can begin to understand the context of everything that has happened. It helps us empathize with those who came before us, recognize their plight as something not to be taken lightly, and understand what it took to stand in their shoes some 10, 20, 200 years ago. Make this BHM intentional by seeking to know the deeper meaning behind things that occurred in our history, be it triumphs or tragedies. And speaking of intentions...
5. Live Intentionally
The way I see it, the best way for me to observe and honor BHM is to live my life as fully and freely as possible. I'm already walking around in a world made better by my ancestors. I intend to use this space to do the same for the generations who have yet to arrive. And better what way to make things better than by being better? Using my gifts and abilities, I can change spaces around me both big and small, and so can you. Even if you're not Black, you can still live fully and freely, work to improve yourself every day for the sake of those around you and after you. And though I myself intend to do so every day to the best of my ability, this month it's for the home team.
Don't forget to check out last week's YouTube video. Click the link for more!
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