Black History

Are We There Yet?

 

As we officially celebrate Black History Month this year, I am struck by a gnawing feeling that we have been here before. Yes, we honor and celebrate Black history. But when do we improve the economic state of Black America? When do we advance the state of Black businesses and communities? When do we stop fighting for our rights and simply receive them? I ask you, when do the rules of the game stop changing so we can just play? Are we there yet? Are we even on our way?

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Greenwood Massacre, sometimes referred to as the Black Wall Street Massacre. Black Wall Street was a blossoming economic community and rare safe haven for Black Americans during a time of rampant prejudice and systemic racism in the U.S. The massacre began with a false allegation that a Black man, Dick Rowland, assaulted a white woman. Then, misinformation spread through newspaper articles and word of mouth. This culminated in an enraged white mob that attacked the Greenwood community on June 1, 1921. They murdered 300 Black citizens, burned Black Wall Street to the ground, and left the surviving 8,000 residents jobless and homeless. In the aftermath, officials censored newspapers and history books to erase records of the devastation.

100 years later, where are we now?

We watched another white mob, emboldened by misinformation and hatred, storm the U.S. Capitol grounds and buildings with confederate flags, weapons, and murderous intent – not unlike the 1921 racist mob of Tulsa. These insurrectionists not only affronted people of color around the world, they also beat and killed American police officers in America’s capital. Justice is slowly catching up with their crimes, but I emphasize slowly.

When terrorists fly the confederate flag in our nation’s capital and walk out unscathed, they send a dangerous message across our country that their behavior is acceptable. If we remain silent, like city officials after the Tulsa Greenwood Massacre, we allow this violence to continue and silently condone its existence.

This Black History Month, and every month, we must stand for truth and equity.

Now more than ever, we must stand firm in our denouncement of white supremacy and double standards. Stand firm in our support of Black wealth building and Black business development. Acknowledge the need for fairness in contracting between Black and non-Black businesses. Support each other and refuse to give a platform to hate, discrimination or violence.

Let’s work to eliminate systemic racism by first acknowledging its existence. Fight against racial disparities this month and every month. Build our school systems, develop our healthcare networks, elevate our businesses and communities so that we once again flourish like Black Wall Street in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma once did.  Let’s get there sooner rather than later. Let’s make and celebrate Black history.

 Your marketing momma,

Cheryl McCants ~ Impact President and CEO

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