REFER TO GREY: Contemplations by Robert Greigos © 2007-2024

Against all the other disturbing news of the world, Black History Month is being celebrated here in the U.S. The annual observance was initially proposed by historian Carter G. Woodson to honor the accomplishments of African Americans. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915, which continues to sponsor the event today.

For those who know the stories, the history of blacks in America is both heart-wrenchingly tragic and colorfully inspiring. One of the things that make those stories so inspiring is the end-point most often sought after by those involved. It's so leveling, so democratic, so inclusive. It goes something like this: not necessarily better than, but just as good as anyone.

Think about that for a minute. What if more of us adopted that core view of ourselves?

Where would the notion of "getting ahead" be then? Where would the fear of being left out, shut out, or left behind go? What use would there be for all those self-serving notions of turning our noses up and casting aspersions?

No doubt there are plenty of folks, including the lady pictured above perhaps, who have not yet arrived at the understanding of Black HIstory being offered here. But for those who have, it just may be that we are leading the way toward a more practical yet satisfying vision of what it means to be human that could eventually quiet wars, neutralize discontent, and help engage most of us in richly cooperative world improving activity.

Let's hope that it may eventually be so.