Empower Member Brenda Flank on Black History Month

It was Black History ‘week’ when I was growing up in the late sixties, early seventies. I thought Black History ‘week’ was supposed to be a celebration of our American history and heritage emphasizing the contributions blacks have made to the greatness of our country.

But for me, it was not a time of celebration because of the anger associated with radical groups like the Black Panthers and others.

I didn’t realize that for a while because I was down with the struggle.

But, when these groups talked about going back to Africa, that was a ‘wait a minute’ moment for me.

This is my country, my heritage, my life and my family was right here in America. Why would I want to go back to Africa?

So, I’ve not ‘celebrated’ black history ‘week or month’ since I left high school in 1973.

I believe the reason for starting black history week was very important at the time because it raised awareness of the contributions of Black Americans.

I celebrate every day the history and contributions of all Americans that make our country what it is today.

I believe it’s important to know our history not as blacks, but as Americans.

We should no longer segregate ourselves from America and our history because we will never move beyond the past or ever see clearly the promise of a brighter future.

Today, black history is American history and should be treated as such.

So, let’s celebrate year-round the greatness of America and the blessings of being an American.


Brenda Flank is the Executive Director with Conservative Alliance for Community Growth

Follow Brenda on Twitter @ConservAll