By Dalton B. Dockery, PhD
In the world today we see so much division. We must realize the strength that lies within our diversity. The wealth of information that every culture brings is unique and makes the world a better place. It should be revered and not feared! Each culture with its diverse background provides an opportunity for growth, development and learning of new things. I have learned that in order to grow we must challenge ourselves, we must learn to develop socially and recognize that we are not a world of one, but a world of many. For even so as the scripture teaches us God made the “Jew and the Gentile.”
As we celebrate Black History month, I really think it is important that we learn the origins from which Black History Month came and how through the years it has progressed. Many times if we learn the origin of a particular thing it brings about a better understand of how and why certain events in life occur. I love history, especially my own history. However, at this point in time in American history, we live in a time of divisiveness. In this moment of struggle, I would encourage all of us to remember we should all adhere to one simple word that binds us together like links in a chain. That word is “LOVE”. If you allow “LOVE” to be out front, struggles would fade and divisivenesswould flee.
As we look at the story of Black History month itbegan in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson one of my hero’s and a great historian and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
In the late 1960s, thanks in part to the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Black History month is celebrated by many churches including my own. It is about recognizing the contributions of African Americans. The struggles of African Americans at times have been harsh, from slavery to freedom the ride has been long but as a resilient people we continue on the path of integrity and honor. So as we celebrate Black History Month, it’s not just a celebration of Black History it’s really a celebration of American History. It’s just at this particular time the focus happens to be on African Americans. The complete history of America is one that is not only rooted in the diversity of geographical landscapes but in human contributions that have stood the test of time. We rest on the shoulders of our for-fathers and we look to the future with a shared belief that America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I am reminded of a Dr. Martin Luther King quote that said, “The measure of a man or a person is not where he stands in the times of contentment, but where he stands in time of challenge and controversy”. Young men, women, boys & girls never be content but be committed. I want to share a familiar story or two about some individuals who were not content but were very committed. Think about this suppose Mother Teresa had been content and decided to stay in the confines of the prestigious St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta, instead of leaving to help the suffering and impoverished in the slum areas of Calcutta. She was not content staying in an area where she felt comfortable. She sacrificed comfortability to meet the needs of those who could not help themselves. Mother Teresa left the comfortability of her home for the un-comfortability of the slums of Calcutta.
Suppose Evangelist Billy Graham would not havenot taken Mark 16:15 literally where it tells us “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” and never held a tent revival or a crusade which encompassed preaching to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries. He was not content on just spreading the Gospel here but going abroad. He went beyond to spread the Gospel instead of only flocking to those who resemble, and look like him.
Or supposed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, would have never had a dream, that one day little Black boys and girls would be holding hands with little White boys and girls and be able to sit down at the table of brotherhood. Supposed he never marched for equality that not only cost him his life but those that werearound him. The sacrifice was great, but the reward was greater. In life we will all have to sacrifice something for the good everyone, it’s in that sacrifice that find the true love of God. For God so loved the world that gave his only begotten son, it cost him something.
These former leaders I just mentioned set an awesome example not only for you but for all humanity as well, their servitude was based on the love of God that abounded in their hearts. It is this type of Agape love that we should display. As I think about my own faith and beliefs. I encourage everyone to continue to be a voice for the voiceless and leaders to work toward the common good for all mankind. Black History is American History, and you are part of that history.
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