Monday, February 23, 2009

What Does Black History Month Mean To You? Responses to Yush Magazine

Dylan Dilinjah
Artist/Reality TV Star (Making the Band Season 1)
www.myspace.com/dilinjah


“Black history month to me is a constant reminder that racism still exist in the world. Why would anyone classify a group of people and then furthermore have the nerve to give them a "Month" or date? Can you really put a people and its history into something as simple as a date? Imagine if I create May as Chinese month and October as "white month". Now how racist does that sound? The King Haile Selassie said one time that "Until the philosophy of one race being superior to another is abolished...then there will be always war". And a MONTH with such a title proves that we still need God. And we really need ONE LOVE. I Love my people and ALL historic achievements of every culture YEAR ROUND.-Not a simple month.”

NYOIL
Rapper/Social Activist
www.myspace.com/nyoil


"Black History month represents the impetus of American Education. To relegate the history of the original people to a month of historical trivia is to perpetuate the ignorance that victimizes children of all races in this country and strengthens the foundation upon which prejudice and racism is built on. When Pan African history is a seamless portion of our education system then a month like this will be an honor to celebrate."

Racquel Saunders
Yush Magazine Writer


“For me, Black History Month represents promise; that my unborn children, no matter their shades of black, will never have to question their abilities, but hold true to the fact that “anything can be made, any sentence begun.” I promise my ancestors who fought tirelessly to ensure my freedom that I will live 365/24/7 proud to have descended from African kings and queens. Finally, black history month means that on March 1st, I will still remember.”

Adhimu "Mindbender" Stewart

“To me, Black History Month is the time of year when everyone in the world should reflect on all the hidden African history that is strangely ignored during the rest of the year, and wonder why we don't celebrate Paul Robeson in July or Harriet Tubman in November. I deeply appreciate Carter G. Woodson's historic accomplishment in getting people to even acknowledge a Negro History Week was needed to remember all those who made our blessed lives today possible, but I don't celebrate Black History Month specifically, because every single day of my entire life is a celebration of Black Greatness: Past, Present and Future.”

Andrew Brown
Bryce & Brown Accountants
www.thetaxman.ca


“Honestly I can’t say that Black History month has any major significance to me, I am black all year round. While I appreciate that other cultures might take time out to try understand, and educate themselves about the positive contributions black people have made to society over the years. I believe as black people we should be celebrating daily all things we have done and continue to do that make a positive impact on this world and shouldn’t be confined to one month. I think we have a rich vibrant history that we should be bragging about everyday of the year not just in February.”


Karlyn Percil
Entrepreneur, Talk Show Host
www.karlynpercil.com


“Black History Month means so much...it's a time of learning, discovery,
celebration and so much more. I know that we should be celebrating each
other every day, but what I love about BHM is the dedication and focus on
outstanding black individuals, some we may have known about, others we are
just learning about! When I think of the courage and initiative some of
our people took, it makes me feel blessed and grateful to be here today.
I wish I could go back and say Thank you!!! Thank you for inspiring me.
Thank you for the courage to follow my dreams no matter what.”

L.I.R.I.X
Hip Hop Artist
www.myspace.com/lirixiznice


“First off I don't think that it can be celebrated in one month (the shortest one at that). There is just far too much history to cover in such a short period of time. When I think of Black History Month I cannot help but think about all the ancestors who made it possible for us to live better today. I think of their sacrifice, commitment, will and belief. These words really describe the mentality of those who wanted to affect change and make a difference not only in their community but in society. I think everyone feels indebted to them for standing up against injustice, inequality and provided intervention. At this moment I would like to say a personal thank you to all those who have made our world a better place.”


Gabriela Corado

“Black History Month to me signifies a time of joyous celebration. This month more than any other year, we need to ensure that we pay special homage to our ancestors and our activists for bringing us to this long awaited point. I have finally realized that we're steadily moving and we can now celebrate so many more accomplishments that are to come by our people. We can now see and speak of the fruits of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dreams. It is this month of the year 2009 that people of all colors, ages, and sizes can look towards the struggle endured and say "Thank you for your hard work and perseverance were not in vain,"


Katina Williams
Yush Magazine Writer

“For me, Black History is celebrating the powerful legacies of black men and women who came before us. Their biographies and stories are amazing, and I am always fascinated by the incredible accomplishments they were able to achieve. Black history also provides inspiration and hope. If the generations before us were able to succeed in the face of racism and persecution, then there is nothing that can stop this generation from achieving their dreams.”


Lola Balogun

“Make black history every day, I don't need a month." Kanye West – Brand New. 2005.

“I’m with Kanye. While I am appreciative for the month of February and the history we celebrate, I caution myself that this kind of knowledge should not be reserved for the shortest month of the year. We, as Black people should try to educate ourselves as to the achievements and struggles of our people. Frankly, if we do not do it, nobody else will. Don’t look at is as a chore, but rather, a privilege; as you board your bus this morning and take whatever seat you wish.”

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