BY ADRIENNE THREATT

Black History Month.
Formally “celebrated” in the US of A since 1976.
Fully embraced by the vast majority since….
Well…
Nevermind.

After 37 trips around the sun,
I am yet and still often presented with the privilege and burden of discovery.
Endless unsung black heroes and major catastrophic events.
Often shifting the trajectory of what was and what could have been for entire communities.
Yet sentenced to the solitary confinement of hushed history.

I often wonder...
Who was responsible for pressing the mute button on our tracks?
Who was responsible for assessing the value of our archives as non-essential?
While I’m thankful that our history is now being unmuted,
The release of these hidden tracks often leave me entangled in a web of complex polarity.

Amazement.
Horror.
Disappointment.
Inspired.
Empowered.

ALL THE FEELS.

I remember the first time I learned about Dr. Gladys West.
Black Wall Street.
The1985 Philadelphia Bombing.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler.
I can remember it well because it was literally just a few years ago.

ALL OF IT. And all the feels.

Amazed at the accomplishments.
Horrified by the tragedies.
Disappointed by the obscurity.
Inspired by the tenacity.
Empowered to empower.

The modest 28/365 we call Black History Month
Is not an end all be all,
But rather an invitation of celebration and exploration 365/365.
Accept the invitation...
And bring a +1.