The Black Experience
Black History Month began as "***** History Week"
Our holiday was adopted at a time when the country was bleak
Created in 1926 by noted African American Historian, Carter G. Woodson
Today, we celebrate the "Congressional Gold Medal" of Eugene Goodman
It became a month-long celebration in February 1976
To celebrate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln
Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans
The historical contributions of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris
They deserve recognition because of their contributory impact on the nation
Another Black History Month contribution by Frank Wills from Watergate
The Security Guard was forever ostracized, because he didn't hesitate
It's time to speak the unvarnished truth,
and to do so as often and loudly as we can
I recall the fear and prejudice that were expressed by many
How do we confront this virus of injustice?
We must speak truth to power.
The burden of confronting injustice and racism
Must not be viewed through rose colored negativism
Hold accountable those who prey on black people's fears
And biases with lies, conspiracies, and tears
We must speak out forcefully and act with conviction
We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality
Tied in a single garment of destiny
Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere
Author: Floyd Neal
Date: February 13, 2021
Inspiration: Black History Month
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