Happy Black History Month to all! This year, I have found myself drowning in different poems and quotes that show some form of tribute to the “African-American community” to celebrate this month. For example, one of my Poetry Out Loud pieces:
BLK History Month by Nikki Giovanni
If black history month is not viable, then wind does not drop the seed and carry them on fertile ground. Rain does not dampen the land and encourage the seeds to root. Sun does not warm the earth and kiss the seedlings and tell them plain. You’re As Good As Anybody Else. You’ve Got A Place Here, Too.
The simple comparisons in this poem make the point she is trying to make so bold. I absolutely love it. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I find a quote that I can go to throughout the day to help me to make it through. Here are a few:
“I consider myself a crayon… I may not be your favorite color but one day you’ll need me to complete your picture.” -Lauryn Hill
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” -Booker T. Washington
“I didn’t learn to be quiet when I had an opinion. The reason they knew who I was is because I TOLD THEM.” -Ursula Burns
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” -Malcolm X
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.” -Barack Obama
And the one I have chosen for today is…
“The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, muscle and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.” -Michelle Obama
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know these are some great motivation to start and end my day. To know that there are still people who care and appreciate the lives of black people puts a huge smile on my face.
Oh, I almost forgot… MY BIRTHDAY IS THIS MONTH!!!!
So, if you see me on February 28th, if it won’t cause you a problem, tell your boy HAPPY BIRTHDAY, please. K, thanks. LOL!
