A Month to Remember

February is one of the greatest months in history because it’s National Black History Month. Every African American should be proud of this month because people like Martin Luther King, John Lewis, and Malcolm X sacrificed their life to liberate you from slavery and segregation. When hearing someone mention the name of Martin Luther King I close my eyes and remember the “I Have A Dream Speech”, “Letter From Birmingham Jail”, and “I’ve Been To The Mountaintop” speeches. Martin Luther King’s most famous quote, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” As well this quote from the Letter From Birmingham Jail also has plenty of meaning, “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Another quote that has a great impact within the African American community is, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” In my opinion, these are the greatest quotes I have heard throughout my life and they have great meaning and stand for something important.

For many African Americans, 2020 was a rough year with the incident of fellow African American George Floyd because it looked like the United States was taking steps in the wrong direction. Throughout the protest around Washington and the United States, I saw every African American embody Martin Luther King, John Lewis, and Malcolm X within each and every African American. The difference between eras was that when George Floyd was murdered, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and White all worked together so that his family would get justice for this tragic act.

Now in 2021, Kamala Harris has made history becoming the first African American Vice President, and that something every African American should be proud of because it shows how times have changed! As well remember the former President Barack Obama was the first African American President that the United States elected. To every African American, I just want to encourage you to chase your dreams and strive for success! Hopefully in the future, one of you can have an important impact in society just like Martin Luther King, Kamala Harris and others mentioned! Long Live Martin Luther King, John Lewis, Malcolm X, and others that fought for equality!

Miguel Gomez
ASYVC Director of Student Programs