The Meaning of Black History Month

Every year, during this month, we remember

Our trials, our struggles, and some things that went wrong

We look back and think, “What could have gone better?”

And sometimes, we even wonder, “If only they were strong…”

But then again, we mustn’t forget

Who was with us all along

This is the place He has brought us to

And this is where we’ve come to belong

But why is it that we act as if nothing has changed?

Why do we struggle over things that we had already overcome?

God had not only sent His Son to come and loosen our chains

He had called His people to rise up and be strong in His Great Name

God did not allow such things to happen to our people

For it to be revenge or havoc that we wreak

I believe a great man once said, “Do not resist an evil person—

If someone slaps you, turn the other cheek.”

God knew that we had the ability to overcome

His desire for us was to get through this—to stand up and speak

If the Lord Almighty is by our side, making us strong

Why is it that we act like we are weak?

In the church, we study a Book that gives the command:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

And as He was being persecuted, the words came out of Jesus’s mouth were,

“Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.”

There are no winners or losers in this war

Only people who have the desire to unite

But, for some of us, instead of peace and love

It is hate and anger that we are trying to incite

But, who is it that we retaliating against?

And who are we trying to put the blame on?

We remember the past so that it won’t repeat itself

Not so that we can have a chance put others down and walk upon

As we walk together as one toward our future

Do not look back and say, “Look at what they did to us.”

Instead, you should look ahead and believe

“God, You are whom I trust.”

One thing we must keep in mind is

Not to blame others for our sufferings of humiliation and ridicules

As MLK Jr. once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers

Or perish together as fools.”