Reflecting on Black History Month

I've been reflecting on my relationship to Black History Month as a middle aged, well-meaning white woman. A few brief thoughts: 

• The focus on Black joy, accomplishment, success, resiliency and ingenuity all over the media this month is doing its work to counteract the negatively skewed images and stories portrayed by media, shared in school and otherwise infused throughout American culture over my lifetime.

• I used to experience BHM as something for others, not for me. Now I'm including myself in this history: how it has benefitted me, how it has harmed me, and what my deep-seated feelings are about it. The upshot? I believe this makes my antiracist actions more effective and less harmful.

• March is Women's History Month and April is National Deaf History Month and then I begin to feel overwhelmed and a little guilty about my focus on racial equity. Until I remind myself that addressing equity anywhere affects equity everywhere. 

Sept. 2022 Back to Blog Home

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