Make your mark on Black History. Be the hit maker for your parade and the bandleader for your organization.
Singer-actress LeToya Luckett is making her mark on Black history with every savvy business move she makes, and seeing her in rolling out’s headquarters this week was like watching her history grow before my eyes.
To see her smile in our lobby and know that Luckett continues to make strides in her life made me very proud to know she’ll soon be gracing our cover.
During Black History Month, I reflect and I miss Whitney Houston and all that she meant to so many with her beautiful songs. I want the millennials of the hip-hop generation to grow and become a prize for us to cherish, and learn from the history in our past. They must be aware of the unfortunate aspects of those who’ve gone before us whose stars were so bright, but yet condemned themselves to depression, self-destruction, and even suicide.
Many in our community are blinded to the truth; many can’t discern whether the lyrics of a song are making them smarter, dumber or just entertaining them. Celebrities must be responsible and be the bright, shining examples that can motivate and educate, not keep the community in the dark.
We should challenge ourselves that maybe reality TV doesn’t have to be places where we are on our worst behavior while making a history recording every movement, every step, and every text.
Don’t forget that the test of greatness is to flip a bad situation to good and to be sure that your star inspires others versus diminishes someone else. Let’s not be the backbiter or the person who chooses not to elevate others and not believe in Black history. We might be offended by those who say Black History Month isn’t needed but don’t allow their ideas to penetrate our psyche or reduce our intestinal fortitude for greatness.
This year during Black History Month, Jada Pinkett Smith is challenging the Oscars and whether you agree or disagree doesn’t matter but what are you challenging in your community that’s not right? That’s what really makes our history strong and vibrant, not the stories of the few.
It was funny that it was all about the “Black” with Pinkett Smith when the lack of representation at the Oscars was for women, Hispanics, LGBT and all of those individuals but they focused on her race.
Be a star by creating a star moment in the history of yourself. Send a love note that makes you the star of your family. Each of us are reflections of one another and just imagine how great we can be collectively if we choose to be great.
Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quxiote, said: “I know who I am if I choose.” Black History Month serves as a time we can choose to love ourselves and each other every day. All lives matter. Black lives matter. Black economic power matters. The black family matters. Peace.
