Three Questions to ask Ourselves in Black History Month
This morning, I tabled before my husband, Walter, the argument that ‘All lives Matter’, is a more holistic idea than ‘Black Lives Matter’. His response: ..”its necessary because black lives have gotten the raw deal in the utopia where ‘All lives matter'”.
As we search within ourselves and deliberate towards the Black History month event being convened by Hampstead Parish Church, I share a few thoughts and questions for reflection.
Can you say ‘Black Lives Matter’?
This may seem like a no-brainer! Why wouldn’t anyone be able to say “Black Lives Matter”? Even as a keen observer of all the protests that have rocked our cities in recent months, I was shocked to find that I had never verbalised the phrase. I’m black; and proudly so…why then hadn’t I said it? Perhaps it’s a bit of pride in me, that resists being singled out from the entire family of humanity, in a fight for my life to actually matter. Why should that be a struggle? Shouldn’t any life mattering be a given? So I kept silent. But now I say it, “Black Lives Matter”. My life matters.
Are we prepared to face the harsh truths (not white-washed) about the history of Black and White relations?
What sort of event is Black History month going to be? What is Black history? Will we be studying the totality of African history, or looking at it solely through the lens of European slavery and colonialism? If we are to spend time unearthing the truths about Black history in relation to white subjugation, we must be prepared for a jarring, uncomfortable month! Will we accept the truths that will be revealed? How do we plan to heal from them as a community? What changes are we prepared to make?
What does racial justice look like to you?
Think about it. Draw up a scenario in your heart and mind. Can you live with the outcome of a racially just society? Where all lives have the same access to benefits and opportunities? Where the aspirations of your children are not innately given preference above and beyond the needs of their coloured peers? What are you personally going to do to champion such a society, if you decide that it is acceptable to you?
It is said that to create a desirable future, we must take a good look at the past. Our history will only define us to the degree that we allow it. I look forward to working together in love, to inspire a culture of justice and harmony in our diverse community.