DadTalk

The importance of Black History Month

As dads, for the sake of our children, we should engage ourselves with our history, however painful memories of the past may be. Our history today will dictate our future.

"History is a clock people use to tell their historical culture and political time of the day. It's a compass that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. The history tells them where they have been, where they are and what they are. But most importantly history tells a people where they still must go and what they still must be." Dr. John Henrik Clarke

Black history month is our only opportunity to share with the world at large our incredible contribution to this planet. It is a time we all can be proud of our creativity, respect our intellectual prowess and celebrate our culture whether it be, in the way we walk, shoulders back, head up high, or the way we express our excitement. Although a month in the year it is important to remember that our history is not only confined to one single month, it is an everyday life experience.

As dads, for the sake of our children, we should engage ourselves with our history, however painful memories of the past may be. Our history today will dictate our future. It is also important to ensure that we pass on something of value into the next generation to enable it to circumnavigate itself into the future as it holds the seeds of our future.

Our history of the past generation serves as a reminder of what our ancestors stood for, their achievements as well as contributions they have afforded us with today. The late African American writer, John Hernik Clarke put it: 'If we are to change tomorrow, we are going to have to look back with some courage, and warm our hands on the revolutionary fires of those who came before us’

With that in mind dads, do something different with your children this black history month, tell your children our history or attend a black history event. Remember, our children are the seeds that carry our history into the next generation.