In light of Black History Month, I personally challenge you to “do it for the culture!”; especially if you are a descendant of African ancestry.
“Do it for the culture” is a quote we’ve all likely heard before. Maybe on social media platforms or from celebrities such as the Migos. This quote’s underlying message has a meaning that translates differently to every individual. In regards to the community of African descendants, this quote’s meaning withholds substantial meaning.
The objective of this article is to enlighten, encourage, reassure, remind, and ignite a fire of passion within you.
It is my expectation that you are aware of the unembellished truths of American history.
I would like for you to take a moment to empathize and reflect along with me.
Imagine the feelings of confusion, demeanment, pain, neglect, horror, and anger African slaves felt while being literally stripped of their clothing, family, name, culture, freedom, and self-power. Hence, ultimately, their identity as a human.
Visualize yourself as a citizen being denied the right to vote because of your race.
Feel the racing heartbeat and dread within a black man’s spirit as he is approached by police.
Walk in the shoes of the juvenile, colored students escorted by U.S. military to attend what was then a recently desegregated school.
Reflect upon the civil rights movement.
Reflect upon the principles of notorious figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Barack Obama, Dr. Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Shirley Chisholm, etc.
Our ancestor’s initial culture was extracted from us psychologically and physically. Yet, we progressively cultivated a new culture of our own here in America. We project our culture through music, arts, crafts, apparel, food, hairstyle, even spiritual/religious practices. We share our culture not merely amongst ourselves but nationwide and worldwide.
Centuries of considerable oppression, yet our bloodline prevailed and continues to do so. It is argued that we’re still oppressed to an extent in present-day America. Unfortunately, it is so. This stance can be proven according to the numerous instances of minimized & dismissed cases of police brutality upon people of color, occasions of students wearing black cultural hairstyles (i.e. locs or afros) being criticized by school officials, the ongoing matter of African descendants’ lower probability of being hired for moderate/great quality jobs compared to those of non-African ancestry and etc.
No society will ever be perfect. Nonetheless, it never hurt to make efforts to improve the world around us for our own sake as well as for the sake of future generations to come. How so? I would answer “With implementations of unity, passion, ethics, wisdom, boldness, and perseverance.”
They paved the way for us already. It is up to us to walk it and use it to our benefit. Don’t allow the countless, profound sacrifices of our ancestors to be in vain.
Exercise your right to vote, know that your melanin is immaculate, protest, support black-owned businesses, run for political office, embrace your culture & heritage, obtain that credential, rock your afro, braids/plaits, & locs, additionally strive to become the optimum version of oneself.
Do it for our ancestors, your family, community, and yourself. Do it for the culture!