Once again it is February Black History Month. It seems ironic that we are celebrating Black History when Black
Americans have always been a part of American History. With that understanding it seems unnecessary to have a special month for celebration of Black American’s contributions to America’s success, but it is appreciated. However,with recent incidences against Black Americans it is evident that many Americans do not share the opinion that Black Americans are deserving of humane treatment.
I believe that the majority of America does share appreciation of Black Americans and their history. The troublesome
part is those of the minority who do not appreciate Black Americans; manifested by their targeting of Black Americans in
very harmful ways. White police officers shooting unarmed Black Americans, choking Black Americans who are clearly
subdued and begging for the officer to release the pressure hold; a white officer shooting a person that is obviously a
child playing with a toy gun or throwing a high school student over a desk to the floor to get her to honor his command;
a white assailant barging into a church of Black Worshipers and opening fire with an automatic weapon where upon
killing many.
These are some of the actions by that minority that cause wonderment about their appreciation of black lives. There are
many more examples of this type of treatment in a society that supports democracy and has established civil laws:
However, it is a sad thought that even with these described incidences, and those not described herein, there is an
expectation that there will be similar incidences in the future.
It is certainly worrisome when a Black American is operating a motor vehicle that is stopped by a white officer, that he
or she has to be concerned as to what the encounter may generate beyond the law, and possibly concerned if the stop
was lawful. Maybe it is a question of an officer’s training, character, or simply his dis-appreciation of a Black American,
but too many outcomes have gone bad for Black motorist. Americans are aghast at these types of abuses of authority
from those sworn to “serve and protect,” and for those that display their dis-appreciation of Black Americans in a
detrimental way.
Black Americans are here in America as natural born citizens worthy of running for the highest offices in the land.They
have served this country in wars and many capacities that are part of America’s success as a country. The minority of
people who feel that they can or must show superiority by utilizing demeaning tactics or abuse of authority must know
that their actions are not condoned by the majority of Americans.
Yes, I say Americans because that is our identity and one of which we are all proud. Let February be an identified month
of appreciation for Black Americans History filled with sincerity, not only for this 2016 February, but for always. Let
these types of attacks on Black American cease immediately. Black Americans live and work for the same advantages of
a good quality of life as every other American. It is ashamed that Black Americans must fear for their well-being when
encountering law enforcement, worshiping or pursuing normal daily chores. The burden of shame is all ours to share.
Our laws of the land should confront these type of civil infractions aggressively and admonish them openly as wrong.
During this celebration hopes are high that these types of incidences will cease to happen and Black Americans can be
more comfortable in the fact that “Black lives matter.” Let us not only celebrate Black History, but also celebrate Black
Heritage with sincere appreciation of diversity; during February and beyond.
Contributed by Jan Williams