Lest We Not Forget

As we journey through this Black History Month, many of us may ask, what does it mean?

Black History Month is not a time slot for Africans of the Diaspora to be remembered,  nor is it simply  twenty-eight  days of celebration. Black History Month is mainly a symbol:  a symbol of remembrance, a symbol of reflection, a symbol of resilience.

It is naive to think of Black History Month  as the only time people of African descent have to celebrate themselves. Yes, some schools designate this short month to pay homage to civil rights leaders, social activists, and athletes such as the Martin Luther Kings, the Malcolm X's and even the Jackie Robinson's.

These are all indeed role models and people who fueled the civil rights movement and have helped to shape the history of Africans here in America, but black history goes beyond the glorification of individuals who have helped pave the way for future generations. Black history should be about reviving the spirits of those such as Bayard Rustin and the Freedom Fighters, and even the students of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNNC) who fought for the advancement of humankind without the recognition. The spirits of those who went unrecognized, should remind us why we fight for the continuous advancement of African Americans today.

          Persons such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ignited the flame for what the Civil Rights Movement came to represent. Now it is up to our generation to make sure the spirits and struggles of our ancestors are not forgotten. Although Barack Obama is the most powerful man in the world as the leader of  our nation, we must never become complacent but use his achievements as motivation to continue the movement. We must remember that we have placed him in office and continue to work hard to maintain this progress.

As students of Old Westbury, we can look to the students of SNCC  which was one of the organizations of the Civil Rights Movement that emerged from a series of student meetings. SNCC grew into a large organization with many supporters in the North who helped raise funds to support SNCC's work in the South. Volunteers also worked with SNCC on projects in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and Maryland.  SNCC played a major role in the sit-ins and freedom rides and  in the 1963 March on Washington. Just like the students of SNCC, we too can take the initiative to hold leadership roles even on campus.

Here at SUNY Old Westbury, student organizations such as the High Profile Entrepreneur Organization, have organized programs such as "By Any Means Necessary" where speeches given by influential leaders  are analyzed by members of the student body. Student organizations are essential to the maintenance of the Civil Rights Movement and for the progress of African Americans.

It is important for us as students to always be engaged in stimulating conversations about politics and to know  current events and history affect us. If you're looking to get involved on campus this Black History Month, the Black History Month Committee has organized Christopher Calloway Brooks presents "Callaway Reflections" (from 1-2:40 p.m. in the Recital Hall) and Harlem Swing with the Cab Calloway Orchestra (6:30-10:00pm in the Multipurpose Room B & C). Both events are on Thursday, February 28^th.

The spirits of those who fought for a cause should inspire us to educate ourselves beyond the curriculum of school, to hold political office, to volunteer at your local recreational centers, to vote, and to never underestimate the power of a people united. We can be a part of our Student Government Association, we can lead our Black Student Union, or attend programs with the African Student Association or even the Caribbean Student Association. No matter what you do, it's our obligation to set the standard for generations to come and to maintain the success of our ancestors.