The First Day of Black History Month.

Today is a very important time of the year. Celebrations, museum exhibitions, and discussions are prevalent around this month as well. This month has the celebration of my people's history and culture. It is the first day of Black History Month and it is important to reiterate that Black History Month ought to be celebrated year round too. Black people are very diverse. We include musicians like Sarah Vaughan, athletes like Lebron James, and social activists like Ella Baker. The Black History Month commemoration was modernized by the scholar Carter G. Woodson. I do remember my elementary school class singing Lift Every Voice and Sing (which is the anthem of black Americans for those who don't know). Black history is made all of the time in the present too. Black scientists, writers, lawyers, politicians, and teachers are making great history constantly in enriching the human race. Permanently, I will always love black women, who are the backbones of our community and the Mothers of the Human Race. In order to be a revolutionary or a freedom lover, you have to honor black women.

Black History is related to Black Love. Black Love not only deals with romance (I do have a romantic attraction to black women). Black Love relates to friendship, family, and community. Our history and our cultures deals with resiliency and power. There are many examples of this. Our ancestors fought to defeat legalized slavery in America, our people fought to ensure voting rights plus civil rights, and many of our people established strong institutions relating to economics, religion, education, art, music, media, and other spheres of human life. In our community, we are fighting for affordable housing, quality education, an end to police brutality, living wages, labor rights, and end to the War on Drugs, better health care, and ultimately black liberation. We appreciate black people internationally as Afro-Caribbeans, Africans, Afro-Europeans, etc. are our Brothers and our Sisters. Therefore, the struggle continues, but our victory is assured.

I read the Willie Brown article. I'm 35 now. Even in my 20's, I heard of rumors about Willie Brown dating Kamala Harris during the 1990's. The truth is that their relationship have nothing to do with her qualifications in the campaign. Brown made an error in his article by implying in a slick way that she is where she is by virtue of him dating her. That isn't the case. Kamala Harris has made her own accomplishments by her own merit and by her own determination. It is offensive to assume that Kamala Harris only got where she has because of her relationship with Willie Brown. Brown is wrong for that. I also feel that legitimate critiques about Kamala Harris' record on criminal justice issues are fair. I agree with Harris on many economic issues, but obviously, I don't agree with some of her previous policies as a prosecutor. So, we can both reject the sexist and racist attacks against Kamala Harris while fairly critiquing her record at the same time. Also, all other candidates should be critiqued too not just her.

Legend defines his life. Now, we witness 100 years after the Birth of Brother Jackie Robinson. He was born in Cairo, Georgia and was raised in Los Angeles. He showed courage in baseball. For example, when men cursed at him, used racial slurs, and harassed him, he kept on performing at excellent levels. Also, he was a life long advocate of civil rights and he was a friend to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Before being in the MLB at 1947, he was a great player at the Negro Leagues. The Negro Leagues showcased some of the greatest baseball players in history too. Jackie Robinson married an amazing woman named Rachel Robinson. Rachel is now 96 years old. Rachel Robinson (who worked in nursing, education, and other endeavors) promotes the same causes as her late husband.

Jackie Robinson invested economic resources in the black community and advocated for more black leadership in the baseball industry. He would get his wish as there are many black people in leadership positions including ownership involving sports in general. We still have a long way to go, but Jackie Robinson was an iconic man who showed the blueprint of personal resiliency and august purpose. He was outspoken. He spoke out against Goldwater's extremism. He criticized the injustices found in America, and he loved baseball as a tool to inspire society. A glorious deep love for his wife and his children remains one cornerstone of his historic legacy.
Rest in Power Brother Jackie Robinson.

By Timothy