Black History Month 2023: Let Us Always Remember

Monumental bronze and cement sculpture of Black people with their hands raised in the air.

CWACM photo

“Raise Up,” a bronze sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas, an African American artist, on the grounds of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

When I reflect on Black History Month, I cannot help but reflect on my trip to Alabama with CWACM. The journey to Alabama gave me an opportunity to reconnect with my history that has been far too long silenced by those who do not want us to remember.

The journey was personal. To visually see a glimpse of our history, to observe the names and hear the stories of our past, filled me with anger, pain and sadness. It reaffirmed the need to remember and pass on the knowledge; remembering, those who lost their lives because of hatred, fear, injustice, and marginalization.

We must remember those who gave totally of themselves willingly and unwillingly. We will remember the mental and physical strength it took to endure. We will remember their courage to persevere. We will remember their faith that guided them. We cannot... We must not... forget the sacrifices that were made so we can have a taste of the freedom our ancestors hoped and died for.

I am encouraged in hope, as I see a new generation taking a stand against injustice. Crying out for justice as they march in the streets, using their voices to fight for change. May we continue to call on the strength, faith, hope, courage, and perseverance of our ancestors, as we persist in the quest for equality.

Let us always REMEMBER....