History is powerful. It tells us that which once seemed impossible became possible, then probable, then reality. It also tells us that which seems impossible now, can become possible, then probable, then reality. History is a road map of the past and of overcoming.

When I was growing up, we had Negro History Week. Now we have Black History Month. But I found ways to obtain Black history at times other than during that one week. It made a difference in how I felt about myself, my family, my friends, and other black people. I am so glad I tapped into Black history. That’s why I try to speak every time I am invited during Black History Month. When we speak, we never know what seeds are planted that may sprout, grow, bear fruit, and help change lives. Black history is that important.

Many do not understand what it is like to be devalued based on something we are born with and cannot change such as the color of our skin. The minute some see us, they devalue us. They expect less from us if good is the goal. They expect more from us if bad is the central issue. This affects us powerfully for contrary to what we say, what others think impact us profoundly. That’s why Black history is important for everybody, not just black people.

Many years ago, I could not understand the great distrust black people often had for one another. Then I learned from general history that all oppressed people have the psychology of the oppress: they distrust one another; and they think more of those that press them down, than they do of themselves. They devalue those like them and expand the value of those that oppress them. Oppression succeeds by divide and conquer tactics. This is graphically set forth in the Willie Lynch letter of 1712.

Some of us African Americans shy away from Black history. Yet, we readily embrace the importance of self esteem. However, we cannot have real self esteem if we disdain ourselves based upon our race. Black history helps us come to grips with this plight.

Knowing my history — my family, community, state, nation, world, and racial history — helped me to deal with my personal psychology of the oppressed. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had not found the antidote of black history to counter the powerful poison of self hate.