Still Black After all these Years --- Black History Month

Just a couple of months ago, people would greet you with "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," and then later "Happy New Year." Few, very few have reached the comfort level to say, "Happy Kwanzaa."

Since this is Black History Month, or for the uncomfortable folks --- African American History Month, I think I'll freak people out this month and say, "Happy Black History Month!" I'll exclaim it with the same joy as the other holidays.

Why don't my people say this? What would be wrong with saying this to each other? Well, I believe most would feel uncomfortable with the word Black. Then, no one, not just Black people, really knows history.

When was the last time you actually read a book about any part of history? If you tell someone some facts about history, you'll get that look. You know the look. It's the look of smart ass. People begin to feel intimidated.

This is because for the most part, few Americans are readers. We're watchers not readers. (By the way, speaking of readers, for the readers who purchased my book, Run into Blackness, thank you! I truly appreciate your interest and support. You're making this publication a success!) As watchers, we spend more time dipping into the lives of others. Hey, I love television but balance the tube with some heavy books.

So, if you don't know about Black History, you can remove the shame by buying a book about Black History and start reading. If you're afraid of getting paper cuts or perhaps breaking the spine of a book, then visit the History Channel's website.

Books are better though. You can pace yourself. History's already around us, regardless of our culture, ethnicity, etc. we all have contributed to this grand melting pot. You owe it to yourself to know more about Black History other than:

Obama is America's first Black president,
Dr. Martin Luther King was a Black civil rights leader,
Harriet Tubman freed the slaves,
and Black folk are now free!

If you don't know this shallow list, whether you're Black or non-Black, this is really sad and it's time to go back to school.

Here's what sad about me. I don't know the history of who won the last few Super Bowls. How dare I call myself a real American!