“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” ~ Marcus Garvey

Black History Month is an opportunity for us to commemorate the valuable contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our history. Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices to celebrate. Then, where necessary, insist that society continues to recognize black leaders, businesses, artists, educators, culture, and traditions. This month provides us with a moment to honor and acknowledge the remarkable changes we have experienced. At the same time, we can recommit and learn from our past. The AAYLC remains dedicated to our mission which includes embracing the traditions, histories, and cultures of our communities. This month, I encourage everyone to take part in celebrations and educational events associated with Black History.

Sincerely,

Shantelle Bridges

Executive Director

Black History Month is also known as Black Legacy Month. I prefer the latter because indeed, Blackness exists not as something in the past, but as something upon which we continue to build. Blackness is, and will continue to be, our legacy. Growing up I learned about Blackness solely from an historical perspective. It wasn’t until I was in middle school and did a residential summer camp at Johnson C Smith University (an HBCU) that I realized Blackness was greater than Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, and Rosa Parks. To be clear, Blackness builds upon those people, but is so much more than what the history books tell us. Blackness—Black legacy—is about creativity, resistance, power, love, beauty, and foresight. We are not only our history; we are our contemporary struggle for our collective future. Let us celebrate what we will be, not only whom we’ve been. Happy Black Legacy and Black Futures Month!

Sincerely,

Manya Whitaker

Board Vice President