Take time to reflect on meaning of black history
Demitrius Watts
Issue date: 2/17/10 Section: Opinion
Reflection. It's what life's truly about.
We are constantly hearing the saying "you can't look to your future without knowing your past." This common phrase represents what Black History Month is all about.
Black History Month is a time of reflection.
Throughout our lives, we African Americans are often dwelling on all the bad things going on in our lives, and are often being quoted as saying, "The man is keeping me down again."
But February, more so than any other month, is a time to reflect and focus on the positive contributions we and our ancestors have made to make our lives today all that much more better.
These short 28 days of the year (29 during leap year) should be more focused on the accomplishments of the African American race. So much of today's society has been affected by our many different contributions.
I ask you, not just my fellow African Americans, but everybody to use the remainder of February to learn of the many different ways that African Americans have touched our lives.
While Beyonce and Jay-Z have indeed reached some of us, I'm asking you to learn of Dr. Charles Drew, Elijah McCoy, Otis Boykin and Vivien Thomas. These are noteworthy African Americans who have enriched all of our lives for the better.
If you know of them, take some time out to learn a little more about them that you didn't know.
For instance, did you know that Harold E. Thomas, an elementary school teacher and surgical technician (and Vivien Thomas' brother), was represented by Thurgood Marshall in a landmark case about unfair wages for teachers?
Life is about reflection.
While it is easy to reflect and focus on the bad, I challenge you to learn something new about our rich African American heritage. It just may inspire you in your future.
Demitrius G. Watts is the Opinions Editor editor of The Varsity News. Check out his weekly vlog at www.thevarsiynews.net.
We are constantly hearing the saying "you can't look to your future without knowing your past." This common phrase represents what Black History Month is all about.
Black History Month is a time of reflection.
Throughout our lives, we African Americans are often dwelling on all the bad things going on in our lives, and are often being quoted as saying, "The man is keeping me down again."
But February, more so than any other month, is a time to reflect and focus on the positive contributions we and our ancestors have made to make our lives today all that much more better.
These short 28 days of the year (29 during leap year) should be more focused on the accomplishments of the African American race. So much of today's society has been affected by our many different contributions.
I ask you, not just my fellow African Americans, but everybody to use the remainder of February to learn of the many different ways that African Americans have touched our lives.
While Beyonce and Jay-Z have indeed reached some of us, I'm asking you to learn of Dr. Charles Drew, Elijah McCoy, Otis Boykin and Vivien Thomas. These are noteworthy African Americans who have enriched all of our lives for the better.
If you know of them, take some time out to learn a little more about them that you didn't know.
For instance, did you know that Harold E. Thomas, an elementary school teacher and surgical technician (and Vivien Thomas' brother), was represented by Thurgood Marshall in a landmark case about unfair wages for teachers?
Life is about reflection.
While it is easy to reflect and focus on the bad, I challenge you to learn something new about our rich African American heritage. It just may inspire you in your future.
Demitrius G. Watts is the Opinions Editor editor of The Varsity News. Check out his weekly vlog at www.thevarsiynews.net.
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