By Roger Caldwell
February is Black History Month and we must acknowledge that many of our young Black men and women are making monumental achievements. Many in America would make many think Black people are lazy, take drugs, and make babies with different women every night. Based on this thinking, Black men and women don’t work, the ladies are on welfare, and men are uneducated, and in jail.
This kind of thinking is far from the truth; it is time to embrace authenticity and reality. Many Black men and women are successful by their late 20’s and 3o’s. They are making Black History every day. There are numerous entertainers, sports celebrities who are wealthy, once they pick up a ball or a microphone. Others are wealthy because of family wealth and generational success.
It is time to acknowledge Black success and wealth in 2023. There are more Black millionaires reaching that status each day. Black History Month should not only celebrate our ancestors but should also celebrate the young Black achievers of today.
Education and business in America hold the key to achievement for young Blacks in America. In 2023, the doors of opportunity are wide open, and if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. There is nothing holding back young Blacks as we use Black History Month to look back at the trailblazers and lift up today’s young leaders.
Young Black leaders have always been in the center of major civil and human rights movement events. In 2019, 12 year old Naomi Wadler stepped onto the stage at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. and gave a voice to young Black women who have died from gun violence. At 12 years old she understood her purpose and every day she works to change the world.
“I believe activisms are the true source of change in the world. Pushing to change social structures in communities that you are a part of is critical for making real lasting change,” says Marley Dias. At 14 frustrated by the lack of representation in children’s books, Marley Dias took action and launched the #1000 Black Girl Books drive.
The amazing success of many of these achievers is that they are not 20 yet, and they are leading the way in arts, sports, politics, technology, business, and much more. It appears that they have been here before and they are change agents to make the world a better place.
These young Black achievers continue to challenge systems, overcome obstacles and make them heard in a country which is racist. The achievers are making history right now with life-saving inventions, artistic legacies, and political protests.
Amanda Gorman, 23, is the National Youth Poet Laureate, who recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the Biden-Harris inauguration. Quil Lemons, 23, is the youngest photographer to shoot a Vanity Fair cover. Grace Moore, 12, is one of the youngest composers for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Finally, my children are Young Black History Month achievers, and my ex-wife, and myself are very proud of their achievements. My oldest daughter is 35, and she is a Human Resources executive leader in the public sector. My next daughter, 32, manages a surplus and over production procurement process within the federal government, and owns and operates a transportation company with her husband, Fallie Trucking LLC. Finally, my son, 31, works in an education department in the judicial department.
During Black History Month take time to celebrate your children who are leading and leaving legacies that the Black media should be writing stories about. God is blessing Black Families, tell your children that you love them and believe in their potentials, and they will continue to make Black history every day.
Be the first to comment