This month the nation will be showered with tributes to Black American heroes. We will be told of the exploits of inventors, athletes, entrepreneurs, civil rights leaders, and other Black contributors to the fabric of our nation. These stories are intended to uplift, inspire and empower us.
We must ask contemporaneously, "What is shaping our history today?"
"There's more to being Black in America than hard times and suffering at the hands of white people."
When others tell our stories, even the good news often gets cast in a negative light when seen from the perspective of those who don't share our history. As the focus on Black History Month suggests, we do have a different perspective that is often overlooked. So each of us must look to our own history -- within our families and communities -- to uplift, inspire, and empower us now.
Our history is rich with the contributions from our distant past. Our present achievements make up the history our grandchildren will celebrate. Let us celebrate our history in the making today, even as we reflect on our past.
Roger Madison, CEO
iZania, LLC
