First, there are far too many contributions by black people to fit into the shortest month of the year. From Benjamin Banneker to Madame CJ Walker and all those in between, 28 (or sometimes 29) days is far too short of a time period to really grasp and understand what those great people created. It took them far longer than a month to reach and realize their greatness...why should we be any different?
Second, when I attended public schools, learning about Black History Month was more of a side note than actual curriculum. I remember learning about the Pilgrims on January 31, learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. on February 1-28, and going back to the Pilgrims on March 1. Of course, I am using those topics as an example, but the main idea holds true.
Third (and the most personal reason), I didn't start being black in February. My blackness began when I was created and it still lives on in me regardless of the calendar. Am I supposed to feel prouder in February than I am in August? Am I supposed to see something different when I look in the mirror in February? Am I supposed to feel better about myself and who I am and what I look like because of this month? I was created in God's image and when I look in the mirror and I see my brown eyes, my full hips and my medium dark skin, that doesn't go away because a new day has come.
So while I will happily join you in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing", I'll ask you to keep singing it the other 11 months of the year. While I will happily learn and study more about Black History and listen to stories of struggle, heartache, pain and prosperity, I'll listen and learn at any given time that the opportunity presents itself and I ask that you, no matter your race, will do the same.
