Today, and for the rest of February, it’s a time to celebrate Black History Month in America.

 

Although we have State Bills, Laws, and Executive Orders in place regardless of the people who try to stifle my victories, I’m still aware of who I am.

 

Every day when I wake up, it’s a victory of how far we have come as a nation and people of color who have helped make it possible.

 

I’m reminded of a long list of trailblazers that is too long to print for many to understand the depth of their contributions who have made it possible for me to succeed in life.

 

The list of 30 is only a reminder of those you may not even have thought about.

 

30 Black Americans To Celebrate During Black History Month and Beyond

 

As I thought about one of them not on the list it was John Lewis.  Maybe because I’m aware of the Nashville Counter Sit-ins where John Lewis saw the wrong to correct it.  I’m humbled and grateful for his actions.

 

In reading chapter three (The Sit-ins) from the book “John Lewis A Life written by David Greenberg.” I’m humbled also to know the tenacity others had to endure and everything they encountered to make it possible for me.

 

For the history buffs, on Feb. 27, 1960, nearly 100 young African Americans, along with a few white supporters, were arrested and jailed.

 

Growing up in the South, Woolworth was a place I knew very well where I shopped based on my limited income. Woolworth was known as a five-and-dime store.  It would be years later after learning to read various books and experience or comprehend things on my own that I would appreciate what John Lewis did for me.

 

Woolworth: A Five and Dime Story | The Saturday Evening Post

 

The Nashville Sit-Ins | John Lewis: Get in the Way | PBS LearningMedia

 

US Rep. John Lewis’ first sit-in arrest was 60 years ago in Nashville

 

My roots date as far back as I was able to see how the civil rights movement benefitted me and others of my race.

 

Today, as part of the Baby Boomer era, I’m humbled to have a greater appreciation of what Black History Month represents; regardless of those who continue to put it down.

 

Over the years, I’ve participated in various Black History Month Programs and will do the same this year.

 

I won’t throw any stones; however, unless you have walked in my shoes, you have no idea what I went through to get here.

 

This is why I am passionate about Black History Month and the education that I have gained over the years.

 

As one might say when you know, you know.

 

Bing Videos

 

This is why I say I’m humbled regardless of the people who try to stifle my victories, I’m still aware of who I am.

 

I’m always reminded not only in February but every day and month that passes.  I have a daily reminder that hangs on the wall in my home if I decide to forget.  “Don’t forget where you came from but never lose sight of where you are going.”

 

It’s those fifteen words that continue to inspire me each day when I see injustice or wrongdoings that plague America and the countries around me.

 

Today when I observe our youth, I often wonder do they appreciate the deeds of others who took on the humility and lessons we hear about today.

 

I remember my days when I had a newspaper route as Fulton J. Sheen’s quote is so true.  “The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings.”

 

Better yet as C.S. Lewis might say “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

 

You and I have all encountered different situations in life with people who have tried to put us down. However, through being a lifelong learner, and having a proper education these things have helped me overcome barriers.

 

When you know your history, you can talk about it.

 

When you know of those who went before you, there is a greater appreciation for them.

 

And when you know who you are, no one can take your dignity away from you regardless of the State Bills, Laws, and Executive Orders in place.

 

As one of my good friends, also a Pastor Rick Piña says, “When you know your purpose you live with uncommon clarity.”

 

As you decide whether you will honor or celebrate Black History Month, the choice is yours.

 

Today, I’m inspired by two quotes.  The first quote is from Camille Pissarro a Danish-French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist painter born on the island of St Thomas (now in the US Virgin Islands, but then in the Danish West Indies).

 

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”  What are you seeing in humble places?

 

The other is from Norman Vincent Peale.  “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

 

I desire that the word humble will provide you with something to think about this month and the months that will follow.

 

“Be kind, work hard, stay humble, smile often, stay loyal, be honest, travel, when possible, never stop learning, love always.” – Unknown.

 

Today, I challenge you to not only see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing but also believe in yourself. Remember, the quote from Rick Piña, “When you know your purpose you live with uncommon clarity.”

 

As Confucius says, “What is most needed for learning is a humble mind.”