Marching Forward
(Credit: Marvel Studios)
There's no denial that 2018 edition of Black History Month gave more than just the facts, it brought a wave of critical thinking, self awareness, and constructive criticism of the Black experience. Needless to say, "A lit cookout" would be an appropriate moniker for the month. But what good is a cookout if we can't get a to go plate? There are 7 things I'd say EVERYONE should take away from #BHM2018 so that the rest of 2018 doesn't find itself with a case of "the itis."
(Credit: Central Michigan University)
1. Black people are capable of making the "Black dollar" worth more than a capitalistic expectation.
Seeing the hype of Black Panther, a Marvel franchise, grow to the point theaters had to stop showing other movies to have enough audience proves more than it's quality film. We find ourselves in one of the first successful moments where Black and African culture are not only in unison, but also in harmony. Afro-Futurism created a wealth of support, but it was truly the autonomous and collectivist mindset that saved the day. Many, could be upset at the fact we seem to invest in the moment. However, I will attempt to make it seem less brutal in #3 (DON'T LOOK AHEAD!)
(Credit: Image by Manzel Bowman)
2. Our past is becoming worth more to our future.
The Black history facts that were presented were more than pop-up video MTV classics. The colonized history created many false pretenses Blacks have been arbitrarily joined at the hip by, yet now have been challenged. What does this mean for Black Americans moving forward? Well, aside from the upset and microaggressions, it means we to reinvest in our history. The post-apocalyptic diaspora we may view our existence in may have more to say. It leaves not a bright future, but a conscious one I believe is more psychologically pleasing to the third eye.
(Credit: Deviant Art)
3. distractions will always be, just that.
We find a backlash due to the movie and a sex video. Americans were livid at the unpatriotic approach to the superhero film, and remained quiet regarding the sex video. There could have been a frustrating disagreement, but the movement in February was too positive on social media to fall into the bait.
(Credit: GonnaGeek.com , Featured: The Black Tribbles)
4. Nerd culture is in the spotlight and wasn't ready to shine.
Seeing nerd culture upset that anime, gaming , and comic lore have been projected into popular or mainstream culture was interesting. I found this particularly difficult on a personal level. But then I began to think about how as a victim, there are some things you do not want to let of because it helped give you a sense of identity and safety. Having this flood was frustrating because for years of being misunderstood was smoothed over by mediocre viral videos. We fan boys felt our territory had been invaded.
5. Lives will always be uneccesaryily lost
With the school shootings and lack of justice and urgency, I believe we are finally beginning to see the truth of our everyday lives. The focus was directed at law enforcement, Trump administration, and even responsibility being put on teachers (owning guns). However, the one thing that was missing was parents. They were able to say their frustration, but we never addressed the lack of nurturing children spawn from. Suicide is also becoming a contagion, and the power to control and manage is becoming unstable. Do we turn a blind eye? Or do we finally invest in a law that requires parents to become savvy in their emotional intelligence?
If you are not Black, read this objectively as a way to uplift your involvement. It shows that we are all working together, forward, with the mentality of acknowledging our part in this world. Small and sensitive; change is incredible in increments.