What would happen if you went outdoors without a shirt on a winter day in Chicago? Depending on your gender, you might get arrested. Stay outside long enough without the police, and you will freeze.
The temperatures drop below zero every year. For people in the Midwest, that freeze is not new, but it remains difficult to accept.
When I complain about being cold, people often say, “Are you from Chicago?”
"Yes, but I still get cold," is how I usually respond. It's human nature or cause and effect.
What happens when you pour water into ice trays and place them in the freezer? The water becomes ice or freezes. That's basic science. We accept this as a normal reaction.
The federal freeze on diversity programs is different. Throughout history, we’ve experienced financial challenges with the government to support public schools, hospitals, and transportation. We rarely have a difficult time finding the money to support war.
Executive orders targeted at diverse populations and celebrations make this year’s acts of white supremacy especially vindictive.
Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week” on February 7, 1926. It coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson wanted schools to incorporate their examinations of Black history into lesson plans throughout the year, but it started with five days.
Before Negro History Week, racism or white supremacy prevented teachers from educating students about the many positive contributions people of African descent made to society. While white supremacy influenced the need for Black History Month, it will not serve as the impetus for its demise.
Last week, I received a disturbing text message while watching my children swim in the cold. I read the message in disbelief about how an organization canceled a Black History Month event due to the federal funding freeze. The keynote speaker messaged me about an email from the coordinators who apologized on Trump’s behalf.
“Wow, that’s insane.” I typed a three-word response and then redirected anger toward a mini-capoeira workout near the pool. Moving stopped my body from freezing in wet, frigid temperatures and prevented me from boiling into a rage.
I called the situation insane, but it was far from crazy or unbelievable. Federal funding freezes to stop diversity initiatives are a reality in this country for at least the next four years.
For at least four February months from 2025-2028, similar challenges will occur around recognizing Black history and other diverse populations in schools and public institutions.
We must devise clever tactics to support and honor Woodson’s vision of Black History Month beyond February.
We must invoke the spirits of Ancestors through direct actions in school curricula, programs, and services. You know your unique learning environment better than I do. How you do this depends on you and the resources available.
Remaining silent is not an option. If you don't know where to start, begin by texting one Black History Month-related quote to a friend. Social media offers a larger platform to share with friends, but as owners pull away from diversity initiatives, I am reluctant to promote usage.
Every day, I receive reminders of Black excellence. I walk into an office with African art covering the walls. At the foundation, we have a library of books written by authors from the African diaspora filled with ideas to stir warm feelings of inspiration during the coldest winters, like the title of Sister Souljah's famous novel.
Keep your shirt on. Our resistance can be loud or quiet. Whether in freezing conditions or warm summer days, a luta continua, the fight continues.
Don’t freeze your contributions to liberation movements.
Comments