Black History is My History

February is Black History month. Black history, my history, should be celebrated every month. There isn't any other ethnic group that has a designated month to celebrate its' pioneers who have made major contributions to society. I understand my fore fathers weren't the only ones who suffered inhumanities and prejudices. There were others like the Native Americans. They were deceived and robbed of land, and there isn't a month set aside for them. What can be done to have a month proclaimed as the "Native American" month?

What really made me write this article is because recently I was reading an article about James Meredith, Charles Edwards, Fannie Lou Hamer, and James Chaney. They were black civil rights activist in Mississippi. It amazes me how other ethnic groups remember their names and struggles, but my peers are clueless as to who they are and why they are significant? I personally think we will never see the courage of another James Meredith, or Fannie Lou Hammond in our era because we have tendencies to stand for nothing, but fall for everything.

I had the privillege of attending University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, for a brief period, and the campus reaks history. What do I mean? The campus is emaculate with giant shady trees, hanging moss, southern perched buildings, and tons of hospitality. While there I tried imagining how James Meredith felt in September 1962 as he attempted to register at the mammoth size buildings with slender glass windows which peered on him, and I couldn't. The hardest pain I've endured is labor; therefore, I can't conjure how Mr. Meredith felt when Govenor Ross Barnett blocked the entrance of the building. Mr. Meredith was beyond brave because he went back again, but this time he was escorted by United States Marshals. Two souls were lost on that day and hundreds were injured.

If you were to visit Ole Miss today, I'm sure if you listen carefully below the trees that lead to the grove you can hear whispers of apologies from those who didn't know any better. I am grateful that James Meredith was the first African American to be accepted to the University of Mississippi because it was his courage that paved the road for others who are different, but equal.