Black History Month... American Dream or Nightmare?

February is, for those who don't know, Black History Month. It almost slipped between my fingers like the old sand cliche'. Like all observances people bring in different traditions and symbols. This holiday has changed too. I remember when it was mainly about rattling off historical firsts in Black History.

Then, there's the chant part. Who invented blah, blah, blah. Then a long silence. It was Joe Blow a BLACK MAN! Who was achieved blah, blah? Silence again. It was Mary Smith a BLACK WOMAN. The names would echo in my little brain and become stuck against in the legacy of achievements and heritage.

These game-show style approach of testing young minds might still occur in schools. Then, perhaps that importance of Black History has faded when the campaign for cultural diversity dissolved. By the way, I'm Black so this observance is more than an attempt to be socially connected with people of color.

Whether you know all the old facts of who did what and when or if you've memorized thebooks Obama family from cover to cover, the bottom line is that Black History is more about being a ladder for my people to climb with inspirational stories and ideas.

Use this month to begin to reconnect with your family history. Talk with your parents, grandparents and other relatives. Use email, texting, letters (they still will deliver them!) and phone calls to reach people. Then, when we hear what our members endured and read about historical events, we can connect the pieces. Then, those Black History moments will become a part of your everyday lives and personal heritage.