Black History Month (BHM) is often about a reflection of the past, but rarely a projection of the future. Movies, documentaries, speeches and writings often reflect where African Americans, Blacks, Negros or whatever term comforts displays a brutal and challenging history.

As he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King said, “I refuse to accept the idea that the ’isness’ of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal ‘oughtness’ that forever confronts him.”   It is a powerful phrase, particularly when you consider the state of race relations in 1964.

Pictured Left: Tony Allen, Ph.D. ^[1] (Chairman, African American Empowerment Fund)

“If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson

Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State University) and now working at Edward Waters College, the oldest HBCU in Florida, I learned from past and current experience there still is a need for these culturally diverse educational institutions. My son (honor student) attends Florida A&M University, my fiancée’s  sons are graduates of SCSU and Florida A&M, respectively both honors students.

I was at home on the couch and was led to tune in to the Word Network. I heard Pastor Marvin Winans say, “When you don’t know your worth, you will sell yourself for nothing. When you allow someone to tell you your worth, you will sell yourself for nothing.” It has since stuck with me, and has been my driving force to reach my goals before year-end.