When we talk about Black History, we think of many great figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Fredrick Douglas, as well as current figures like Barack Obama and the list goes on.
Someone we don’t hear about are the unsung heroes of Black History. The heroes I’m talking about are the one’s in our own lives; The Family.
When I think of Black History I think not only of the public figures that has impacted my life, but the direct people who molded me and shaped me into the man I am now.
My Father
As I mentioned before , Every little boy at some point looks up to his father.
Even though it can be tough to break through to that sentimental center that allows him to express his feelings, I know he loves me. He taught me by his example; that if I want something all I have to do is go for it.
My dad spent 25 years in the military, worked two jobs to provide for his family. He got his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in which he spent the majority of his years working in that field. Even now in his seventies he works helping veterans get the proper benefits due to them.
What I've learned from my dad is that there is nothing that cannot be achieved if you are willing to put the work into make it happen.
It wasn't an easy road. But he never let the color of his skin, nor his age, or what people perceive of him become a stumbling block for him to reach his goal.
My Mother
Worked two jobs as well.
She was the one who gave me my cooking (survival skills) on that fateful day she came over and caught me eating Ramen noodles.
She nearly passed out when she opened the counter to find thirty five packets of Ramen noodles.
Taking about a conversation of all conversations!
At my defense: They were assorted flavors.
She and my sister are the ones that helped fix my place up so it didn't look like a holding cell.
My Sister
We have had so many deep conversations. But no advice has ever hit me a hard as this simple charge she gave:
"If you find yourself somewhere you don't want to be; Get out."
"It may take a few days, a few months; hell, a few years! But whatever you do, always work on getting yourself out of situations you don't want to be in or that's not good for you."
I was probably no older than eighteen or nineteen when she said that. But it has stuck with me to this very day and it is something I live by.
As I observe Black History month; this is how I choose to celebrate.
If you are a man, woman or trans person of color, take the time to share about the heroes personally in your life. We all should be heard because we all have done something positive to contribute to history whether large or small.
As I proofread and edited this post that was posted on my previous blog, I wrestled with whether I will post it this year or just wait for next February since I haven’t really acknowledged Black History Month once this year.
In my observation, many of the readers really don’t pay much attention to these types of posts anyway.
Black History really doesn’t concern many that they don’t identify with. I’m actually okay with that. I really didn’t post it for the majority that read this blog for my sexual escapades anyway.
This post is for “everyone” with the main focus being for myself and for my POC.
(People of Color)
We often dwell on an island where the surrounding body is often a sea of indifference to our experience. It shows in the analytics numbers I read.
It shows in how media promotes Black History Month and in everyday conversation.
Not only did I battle these factors but also reposting this material and knowing I’ve done this before.
When I repost my older material, sometimes the flat out anger of not having my previous blog over some bullshit makes me wonder if I even want to go there again. (Blogger I will never have the respect for your blatant disregard of your patrons. And I will read you for filth… FOREVA!)
But here I am, and as long as I am blogging I will continue to express myself how I see fit. Even if I have to say it twice. Three times even.
Perhaps I'm not qualified to respond to a post like this. I'll never know what it's truly like to walk in your shoes. But I feel the power and the passion you express here, and it gives me a small glimpse of you as a person beyond the playful sex exploits. In this social media world, we tend to never move beyond the superficial and that's a sad commentary.
ReplyDeleteYou are always qualified to express how you feel about any topic. I love your input. And I appreciate everything you expressed. Thank you!
Delete.....and as to that tighty whities video....HOT DAMN!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDoh! I just changed the Video of the Day; Looks like just as you wrote this . LOL But I will be making a post out of it soon so you watch me jiggle my goods all you want. lol I'll even title the post specifically 4 U. :-)
DeleteWell, I'm glad you posted (re-posted) this....
ReplyDeleteThank you so kindly. There is usually a reason things are put on our minds to share something. So even though for me the mood may have past or I may be in a different place, those previous posts may be helpful to someone. And besides it allows me to add and edit my commentary in a way that is relevant to me / us / whoever now.
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