Black History Month Vectors by Vecteezy

February is Black History Month.  Welcome to another celebration of the achievements of African Americans as key protagonists in the American Story.  Some still might ask, “Why is there a special month for such recognition?”  It is necessary due to our country’s ongoing history of intentionally excluding the contributions of Black people and other people of color to avoid the inconvenient truths associated with the circumstances many of these American heroes had to overcome as enslaved human beings, and the indignity of Jim Crow, in the quest for freedom and the American Dream.    Sadly, although some progress has been made, continuing systemic and structural racism still impedes the journey to a “more perfect union.”   It simply boggles the mind that there are shameless so-called leaders among us at the highest levels, who wish to deny our young people the right to know the unvarnished and accurate history of the United States of America.  In fact, there is an intentional movement afoot to erase and re-write such history!   

This knowledge is not about pointing fingers, but rather an illustration of why every American is indeed part of the collective American story and belongs at the table when solutions for becoming that more perfect union are being discussed.  Isn’t that after all what the essence of the word “united” is?   This country can only be great when we can all share in its promises.  We the people must therefore fight against the efforts to derail the American train, and send us back to our embarrassing past, with equal or greater intentionality. 

Renowned poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, is widely credited with saying, “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.”  

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion internally, and externally with our business.  The film production industry offers a wonderful opportunity to expose folks from underrepresented and underserved communities to career and business opportunities with intention.  During this year’s Black History Month, our Film Forward Documentary Spotlight & Workshop  is highlighting the film Dry Bones by Dr. Tara Conley.  We will also celebrate the contributions of Ohioans to the film industry, including many African Americans, during our lunch & learn series we are rolling out as part of America 250 Ohio.  Follow this link for a snippet of Ohio’s place in film industry lore.  

drybonesfilm.com

So how can we better upgrade our Black History knowledge?  For starters, read about it yourself in order to understand its true meaning and not be duped by the misinformation being circulated by those who wish to erase a part of the American story.  Join in the celebration by attending some Black History Month events in Cleveland to see it in action first hand.   

In closing, here is a quick history assignment to get you started with a local Clevelander and Baldwin Wallace University grad, Steven Caple, Jr., who at only 37 years of age, is a rising star in the film industry with credits that include blockbusters like Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

From an earlier era came poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist, Langston Hughes who attended historic Central High School in Cleveland, where he lived with his mother and stepfather in the Fairfax neighborhood. 

Enjoy! 

LP