- Image via Wikipedia
[tweetmeme source=”ileane”]
This is a guest post from a prolific blogger and my dearest personal friend Kissie. Her blog is Still Kissie you can also follow her on Twitter.
Author Carter G. Woodson stated the importance of remembering our past in The Journal of Negro History. “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” he said.
The month of February now represents Woodson’s movement with Black 
History Month, which started as Negro History Week, as an opportunity to represent the achievements of blacks from the past to the present day and implement them into our nation’s history.
And on that note, 28 days!!! Ugh! (Time flies!) (Can’t disappoint – must write post quickly….that was my mantra all month.)
It began with a stir this year, yes. It’s ending with relief and an aha.
I had to do this post as it was nagging me. Perhaps our host, Ileane, thought I had forgotten due to my lack of response or production. That’s further from the true case. Like any other artist, I have to be inspired to create. (Don’t worry; I’ve already admitted elsewhere that my artist moniker is self proclaimed.)
My best thoughts come early in the morning and I credit that to stillness. (Hint: Upcoming Post)
Coretta Scott King’s and Michael Jackson’s deaths taught me so much about these individuals I never knew. Yeah you hear all of the crap, failures, embarrassing idiosyncrasies, of most of us while we’re still here to be humiliated by it. But for some strange reason, we choose to celebrate the honorable deeds, successful achievements, and meaningful acts, or great habits when it doesn’t matter to the deceased. And, it’s too late for me to show my gratitude and appreciation at this point.
At the beginning of this month (Black History Month), I mentioned a man who is noted to be the consummate voice of biblical social relevancy, a focused voice, speaking truth to power – Dr. Joseph Lowery. And now I’d like to introduce to some and present to others, Dr. Otis Brawley.
When I arrived at work on Monday morning, I received our normal weekly update via email and read about The Grio’s 100 History Makers in the Making. You know why? Because, my colleague Dr. Brawley was listed as one of the hundred!
The list, published on TheGrio.com, includes an exclusive group honoring Black History month by highlighting the next generation of African American history makers and industry leaders who have the potential to make a difference in the lives of all Americans.
Among the 100 honorees are the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tyra Banks, Drake, Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Roland Martin, and many more. I am extremely proud to announce that the list also included my own colleague, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Otis Brawley.
This month started with a kind elderly gentleman I’ve brushed shoulders with by being in the right place at the right time and now the month ends with a younger kind gentleman that I work with daily to provide the most accurate, up- to- date information on cancer, to eliminate cancer as a major health problem, and to educate the public about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survival, and quality of life.
I’m amazed at the humility both men exhibit with all of their successes. Isn’t that the way we all should be? What a way to make history – Black or not!
If I Can Help Somebody
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they’re travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
My living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Black History Month 2010: Discussion and Activities (cnn.com)
- Guest Bloggers Lend A Helping Hand (msileanesblog.blogspot.com)
ms. ileane speaks 