By Xavier S. Lockhart
One song that I feel embodies the spirit of Black History Month is “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly called “The Black National Anthem.” If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear this song, I urge you to listen. Take some time to fully understand the lyrics.
A section of the song that I would like to highlight goes as follows: “Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.” The important thing to notice here (and throughout the entire song) is that no human being is demonized. This song exists entirely to encourage people to continue marching toward a better tomorrow, which is in stark contrast to our current national anthem. Take this excerpt from the third verse of the “The Star-Spangled Banner, for example: “No refuge could save the hireling and slave/From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave/O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Is it not incredibly disgusting to consider that the “free” and “brave” would triumphantly wave their banner over the corpses of people whom they forced to fight?
It has always irked me that people approach Black History Month with a question as to why it needs to be honored. It’s always “Why do Black people deserve their own month?” or “These things happened in the past, let it go.” The interesting thing about these comments is that they are choosing to accept ignorance. Rather than engage with this month of education, many people would rather question the need for it. Learning is one of the most empowering things that you can choose to do, but it’s also one of the most difficult. Learning requires you to face truths, receive feedback, and reorganize much of what you thought you knew. I think a big reason for the learning-avoidant behavior comes from a fear of being demonized or chastised for the sins of the past. When you have been raised in a society that glorifies white people, education about the atrocities they committed probably does feel like an attack. However, imagine the wounds inflicted on the communities that had to endure that treatment.
In my opinion, our country is moving in a direction toward accepting ignorance. A country willing to hide its past in an attempt to become great in a way it never was is a country that is diving headfirst into delusion. We are living through times where people would have you believe that I, as a Black man, could never raise a child with love and care, times where people would say I’m unqualified to be in my Physical Therapy classes because I am a “DEI pick,” times where saying “You speak so well” is supposed to be a compliment. People would have me believe that I am still 3/5ths of man, believe that my brothers and sisters were never hung from trees like fruit, and believe that my ancestors weren’t cannibalized or raped. If any of those things made you uncomfortable, that’s good. You are at a critical moment in your life where you have the chance to broaden your perspective and understand something beyond yourself. It is not wrong to acknowledge and learn from the past, but it is a great shame to hide from it.
While Black History Month focuses primarily on issues of the Black community, this doesn’t mean that its effects are confined to my community. Black History Month is a time of acknowledging the past, sharing love in the present, and being hopeful for what the future will bring. The most important common thread here is that community love. Many people come together and raise awareness for their culture while celebrating with individuals experiencing the same issues. This is a time to spread love and peace.
As I stated above, learning the truths of the past can be incredibly difficult, but on the other side of that difficulty is understanding. With that understanding comes a life free of misinformed stereotypes and ignorant generalizations. As a Black man in the United States of America, my goal is not to attack anyone for the sins of their ancestors; my desire is for everyone to stand united in the face of injustice. It’s not just about the Black community; it’s about ensuring that everyone can live their lives free.
Free of unjust persecution.
Free of prejudice.
Free of exploitation.
I wish you all a happy Black History Month full of love and learning. Stay safe, everyone!
Photo courtesy of Xavier Lockhart