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I wonder, have we reached the level of preservation and appreciation of African American History?

February is Black History Month created by Carter G. Woodson. This year is extremely monumental because Kamala Harris is at the forefront in 2021. Harris is the first woman to be elected vice-president of the United States, first African-American woman elected to that office and the first Asian-American woman elected to that position. That’s what I call a triple threat, indeed. Vice President Kamala Harris is a woman of many firsts.

With all that’s happened in the past few weeks the divisiveness of our nation was on full display for all the world to see, reaching out a hand to each other is the way to heal this nation. If Carter G. Woodson could see us now would he believe we have come a long way in racial equality?

We have, yet we have so much more to do. As Amanda Gorman said on January 20,  a democracy delayed is not a democracy defeated.

Think about it. when Woodson established Black History Week which became Black History Month, he had naysayers. That didn’t stop him. Kamala Harris, I’m sure experienced similar sentiments. She too, was unstoppable, because with God Woodson and  Harris achieved greatness.

Many of our forebearers never thought this day would come, but it wasn’t because of a lack of intelligence or sheer determination. They were living in different times. We are living in this time, now.

As with the unrest of last year celebrating our African American History is more important than ever. What we have experienced as a people, as a nation reminds me of hanging onto a cliff with both hands for dear life and you strive to hold on even calling for help and prayerfully a hand reaches out, but you have to be brave and strong enough to take one hand off of the cliff and reach for the helping hand.

That’s what we need to do. If we don’t we will forever stay on that proverbial cliff. We can all contribute to ensure that racial and social justice is a success in the United States.

Let’s celebrate African American History Month in February, every month reaching out with a helping hand of healing.

Judy Moore a tour guide at The Central High Museum can be reached at caesar502021@outlook.com. She lives in Wylliesburg.