Black History Month is a time for introspection. Evaluating the goodness of your deeds and contemplating your future contributions to society. The month of February should be used as a replenishment station, not a holiday or commercial celebration. Because, the fact is, we should be practicing introspection on a daily basis. Feel me?
I’m a person who acknowledges the past, to understand my current situation. Then I’ll grasp the opportunities before me to change the situation for the betterment of myself and all of those around me. Word is bond.
I now welcome you to a special segment of Word to the Masses called, “Black In the Box.” Similar to Jack In the Box, but different. There will be no painted faced jester to pop out and surprise you when you turn the handle of this box. Knowledge, dedication and a deeply rooted sense of spirituality is what lies beneath the lid of “Black In the Box.” Ya heard?
This will be the first of three installments. So, allow me to begin turning the handle. The realness of my man, Mr. Blue is now upon us.
MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann
Being Black is an Everyday Celebration
The month of February is an observance of black history and it’s cool for other ethnic groups to use this time to reflect upon the history of blacks in America. However, for Americans of African descent to use this time to reflect upon their own history and culture and not do so at other times is tragic.
Historically, every advancement by African Americans has been met by a political backlash. The Emancipation Proclamation was followed by the “Black Codes,” laws effectively reducing African Americans to non-citizens mainly in the south during the Jim Crow Era, forcing blacks into a peonage system of slave labor. This is one of the darkest periods of American history seldom talked about following what was supposed to be one of its brightest. This system lasted more than 60 years after slavery was supposed to be abolished.
The civil rights movement and the legislative gains made therein was immediately followed by the assassination of its leaders, a massive increase of lethal narcotics in African American communities, the beginning of the prison industrial complex and the literal disintegration of the black family.
The United States incarcerates more people than anywhere else in the world. Black people make up roughly 10 percent of the population but comprise roughly 70 percent of the prison population; and yet prisons are still being built.
The question Americans, especially those of African descent need to ask is why these prisons are being built, especially when the national economy is in dire straits and most states are nearly bankrupt. And for whom are these prisons being built? But, the answers to these questions are painfully obvious. It is critical for black people to be politically active or become political causalities. Every day is an opportunity to make history; and if you are an American of African descent – everyday is a celebration of black history and black culture. Don’t just celebrate it from the sidelines – get in the game and be active; participate.
Mr. Blue
Historically, every advancement by African Americans has been met by a political backlash. The Emancipation Proclamation was followed by the “Black Codes,” laws effectively reducing African Americans to non-citizens mainly in the south during the Jim Crow Era, forcing blacks into a peonage system of slave labor. This is one of the darkest periods of American history seldom talked about following what was supposed to be one of its brightest. This system lasted more than 60 years after slavery was supposed to be abolished.
The civil rights movement and the legislative gains made therein was immediately followed by the assassination of its leaders, a massive increase of lethal narcotics in African American communities, the beginning of the prison industrial complex and the literal disintegration of the black family.
The United States incarcerates more people than anywhere else in the world. Black people make up roughly 10 percent of the population but comprise roughly 70 percent of the prison population; and yet prisons are still being built.
The question Americans, especially those of African descent need to ask is why these prisons are being built, especially when the national economy is in dire straits and most states are nearly bankrupt. And for whom are these prisons being built? But, the answers to these questions are painfully obvious. It is critical for black people to be politically active or become political causalities. Every day is an opportunity to make history; and if you are an American of African descent – everyday is a celebration of black history and black culture. Don’t just celebrate it from the sidelines – get in the game and be active; participate.
Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2011 by Paul Brown
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