. black history is me. i am black history.

​I am Black History
I am black or African American. I am okay with either terminology. Black is my ancestry which carries with it so much pride, admiration but also pain. It is a legacy that requires the respect of 365 days a year which I wear proudly.
The Origin
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week to acknowledge and celebrate the works of black people.  In his book, The Mis-Education of the Negro, Mr. Woodson spells out that black history is not just about the past, but a reminder of the living present and that history unfolds around us each and every day.  Eric Ward, winner of the 2021 Civil Courage Prize sums it as “Every action we take is a moment in history, and some of these create big ripples, and some of these create small ripples, but they all create ripples.” Black history is an everyday occurrence that I am proud of. Despite what society may tell us, black lives matter every day. Our history is valuable and deserving of being recognized every day.  This February, while the rest of America celebrates Black History Month, I will celebrate every day the accomplishments of not only my ancestors but the African Americans who are changing the world today and who are doing great things each day.
Black History Made in 2021
Black history is black excellence and black excellence is black history. I am black history every day! 2021 proved to be no different, as African American continued to shape not only black history but American History. Kamala Harris became the first African American woman to be inaugurated as Vice President of the United States. Twenty-two-year-old, Amanda Gorman, became the youngest inaugural poet in history citing her poem "The Hill We Climb". She was also the first black woman to be named Youth Poet Laureate of the United States in 2017. Zaila Avant-garde becomes the first African American and second black winner of the 93-year-old competition, Scripps National Spelling Bee. These are only a few moments of the amazing black men and women who made history in 2021.
The continuance of Black History
African Americans continues to break barriers in politics, sports, entertainment and continue to change the fabric of American culture. Black history is a lot more than being the first to do it, it is having the courage as a star athlete to be vulnerable and address the issues of mental health.  It Is having the courage to video a murder and post it for the world to see.  It is the courage to stand up against injustice.  It is the ability to believe in yourself.  It is the ability to go against the grain and create and innovate new products.  It is those who sustained and persevered to make sure black voices and black votes count.  It is the doctors that continue to make medical advances.  It is the TikToker who uses their voice to educate and inform.  Black history is a growing and breathing thing that it is being made each day by someone who was not afraid to be the change that this world needs.
Black History is ME. I Am Black History T-shirt available on Grown Folk Motto at Black History is Me I AM Black History Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt (grownfolkmotto.com)

AYANA YOUNG
Ayana Young is the owner of the inspirational t-shirt brand, Grown Folk Motto.  She is a business owner and entrepreneur.  Her goal is to create an environment of women who uplift and support each  other into becoming the best version of themselves.

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