Framebridge’s Post

February marks Black History Month and it’s a perfect time to learn more about Black Americans who have contributed to American History. You can learn about 21 Black pioneers, including Madame CJ Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire, and Bayard Rustin, who was instrumental in planning the 1964 March on Washington. Learn more about these pioneers and more at https://hubs.la/Q02jRm6_0 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2022 #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory

It is said — because it’s true — that Black history is American history. We can all cite at least a handful of Black and African-American civil rights, literary and political giants. But we may struggle beyond that, even though there are countless others who have made significant contributions to society.   For me, that’s the point of Black History Month, which starts today. It fills in the gaps and invites us to explore the Black and African-American experience in all its diversity. Of course, that includes well-known figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks. But the month is also a reminder to go deeper and learn more about less well-known figures.   For instance, as a New Yorker by adoption, I have found inspiration in the experience of Alain Locke, a NY-born philosopher and the first African-American Rhodes scholar, and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, who represented part of Brooklyn. By any measure, they both led highly accomplished lives. But their stories are also deeply American, filled with resilience and determination in the face of discrimination.   This Black History Month and year-round, I encourage everyone to dig in and discover the legacy, history and contributions of Black and African-American people, both well-known and obscure. Because Black history is also American history. #BlackHistoryMonth

The significance of Black History Month lies not only in the dynamism of Black legends and their contributions, but also in the power of Black stories to shape our collective narrative, guide philanthropic work in the present, and help create a more just and equitable future. “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “the father of Black history,” notably reminds us. Today, we celebrate Dr. Woodson, a University of Chicago alumnus and historian, and the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University.  Among his many contributions, Dr. Woodson: - Founded the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which was headquartered in his own home - Ran a publishing house (Associated Publishers) focused on African American culture and history, when other publishers avoided these topics - Initiated the first Negro History Week in 1926, which would later become Black History Month His Washington home brought together “generations of intellectuals, writers, and activists,” including Langston Hughes, John Hope Franklin, and many others. Now owned by the National Park Service, it is currently being restored and is expected to open to visitors later this year. Learn more about Dr. Woodson’s remarkable life and legacy. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackStories https://lnkd.in/g77Y54UU  

Overheard someone the other day at a restaurant say, “Why do ‘they’ need Black History Month? Isn’t that just history? Like why is their history special?” The point was right there and yet light years away. In #DEI work, the work is not to “assist” or “save” marginalized people, but to remove the barriers put into place that prevent them from being seen, celebrated, and supported. Black History is American History, but because of the systemic barriers that Black Americans have faced, many of their accomplishments and experiences were removed from the history books. #BlackHistoryMonth gives us all chance to learn more about that erasure and to advocate that Black History be more incorporated into history curriculum, thus removing the barrier.

The genesis of Black History Month happened long before President Gerald R. Ford took to the podium in 1976 to recognize February as a month of celebration and recognition. The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History sponsored the first National Negro History Week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs, and host performances and lectures. Canada and the United Kingdom also celebrate Black History Month. (Source: The History Channel online 1/19/22)    What if we flipped the narrative of Black History Month and instead thought of the celebration of “Black Future Month” as articulated by Baratunde Thurston a writer, actor, comedian, and advisor in the Obama administration? What if we used this month to imagine a future where children are taught throughout the year the complete history of our country and not just the history from the perspective of the White power structure? What if we approached our lives through an equity lens so we are aware of all voices so they can be heard? What if we listened to the wisdom of children when they were asked the meaning of this month?     May this month be an opportunity for us to reflect and imagine the role we ALL play in making the Black Future a positive and enduring reality.     5th Graders from East New York Middle School   https://lnkd.in/daYUBuK     Black History Ideas for the Workplace  https://lnkd.in/eU_v6bYh     Black History Month Activities to Engage Students  https://lnkd.in/eiPTs3hK   

As Black History month comes to a close (why is it just a month, anyway?), it has me reflecting on what a scary time we live in. What's scary is that even more history is being erased with this refusal to allow critical race theory to be taught, the denial that slavery was the cause of the Civil War, and with certain politicians saying that Black people benefitted from slavery (taught skills and work ethic?!?!) Once again, history is being whitewashed, and that is a very dangerous place for us to be. What do you think are ways we can fight against this blatant racism? (There is so much more to racism than erasing history-we have real systemic issues.) How do we fight against books being banned? (I personally want to go on a book-shopping spree and buy all of them!) In this vein, it is unfortunate we need Black History Month, CRT, and DEI at all. Wouldn't it be nice that instead of erasing history, we all accept and love one another and live in peace?! It starts with educating and modeling for our children. After all, they learn what they live and then they live what they have learned. See below for more info about DEI and continue to do your important work with DEI, Roxie J. Patton! Leave comments below to continue the conversation!

Black History Month is a significant observance dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and struggles of African Americans throughout history. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the black community and recognize the pivotal role they have played in shaping various aspects of society, including real estate. In the context of real estate, Black History Month serves as a reminder to acknowledge and address historical disparities and inequalities that have affected black individuals in property ownership and housing. In summary, Black History Month is an occasion to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future in all aspects of society, including the field of real estate. It serves as a reminder that understanding and addressing historical context is essential for building a fair and just real estate landscape.

Leaders, particularly in the Southern United States, are restricting students' access to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans. #BlackHistoryMonth presents opportunities for us to pause, to think and reflect on histories of Black people and their historical experiences. Also, it allows us to pause and reflect about today. Knowing our history means that we know about humanity. https://lnkd.in/gp4zUMyP

Black History Month should not be the only time that we learn and think about the contributions and experiences of Black Americans. Black people have contributed to every aspect of American society, culture, and politics, so telling our histories is about more than recognition — it’s about honoring our humanity and respecting our right to call America home. Learning about Black history provides a fuller, culturally inclusive perspective of America. Black history is for everyone, every day of the year. So this year, extend your celebration beyond February with learning and recognition of Black history throughout the year. 👉 Challenge your biases about Black people. 👉 Read books by Black authors. 👉 Watch films by Black screenwriters. 👉 Support Black businesses. 👉 Let Black people share their histories, and listen. Double tap if you agree that #BlackHistoryIsEveryDay. And learn more here: https://ow.ly/qvyn50QyVtv #RacialJustice #RacialEquity #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory #BlackHistoryMonth

As we mark the beginning of Black History Month, NJHMFA celebrates the tremendous contributions that Black Americans have made to our state and nation. To learn more about the history of Black History Month: http://bit.ly/2M4eelK