Commemorating Black History - What are you doing?

[SummerChild]

Ladies,
Since we all know that Black History should be celebrated EVERY month, I thought that this would be a great opportunity for us to talk about:

1. what we personally have done/do in our daily lives to remind ourselves and others about the contributions that Black people have made throughout the world AND

2. the magnificent heritage and accomplishments that we had in native Africa, even before arriving in America (or whatever country your ancestors may have been transported to).

SummerChild

[SummerChild]

Ok, I'll start.

First, I'd like to give my parents kudos for raising me to be familiar with my history, both in the U.S. and in Africa. We even had the Budweiser "Kings and Queens of Africa" series. Does anyone remember those? That was my first exposure to Budweiser. LOL


<<1. what we personally have done/do in our daily lives to remind ourselves and others about the contributions that Black people have made throughout the world AND>>

I have my "AKA 1908" car tags (yes, "tags" plural - I'm a neo) b/c Alpha Kappa Alpha is definitely part of Black Historical accomplishments in the U.S.

I check out little books from the local library from time to time for the children that I tutor in our chapter's program. The books are sometimes about famous African-Americans. Surprisingly, these kids don't have a clue.

I try to take part in programs or organizations whose purpose is to promote Black History (currently trying to become a member of the youth associates board for Dusable Museum of African-American history)

<<2. the magnificent heritage and accomplishments that we had in native Africa, even before arriving in America (or whatever country your ancestors may have been transported to).>>

I try to take part in programs or organizations whose purpose is to promote Black History (currently trying to become a member of the youth associates board for Dusable Museum of African-American history). They have one of the most extensive collections in the country (history and garb of African countries and tribes w/in those countries).

I try to remind people that when you teach children their history from a frame of reference of GREATNESS (what we were before getting to this country and other countries) it is so much more powerful than the woe is me up from slavery tune.

[SummerChild]

Here is an article and link (http://www.abcorpaffairs.com/page.asp?p=5) on the Budweiser Kings and Queens of Africa educational materials that I referred to in a previous email. Apparently, the actual information is now featured online. My parents bought this series for me and my sisters when we were growing up and it was a great resource for learning about our accomplishments before leaving Africa, which is part of our history as well.

The article is below. If you go to the link and click on "Great Kings and Queens" you will be able to access actual online information about great kings and queens of Africa.

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Great Kings and Queens of Africa
Since 1975, the Budweiser Great Kings and Queens of Africa program has promoted cultural pride and cultural awareness, as well as an opportunity for African-American artists to share their talents.

An art collection featuring 30 portraits of kings and queens, the program was created to help fill the void in the ancestral history of African-Americans by highlighting the richness of African history.

All of the paintings in the series are created by African-American artists. The series debuted in 1975 with four Great Kings of Africa paintings; in , the series expanded to include Great Queens of Africa. This inclusion provided insight into the powerful role women played throughout African-American history.

The program, in its entirety, has consistently been a focal point during Black History Month observances. Yet increasingly, individuals and organizations with an interest in this rich history have found a variety of opportunities to request an exhibition. Beginning in 2003, the Great Kings and Queens of Africa series will go on the road for viewing at museums, historical institutions and historically black colleges and universities.

Today, as in 1975, the series highlights the essence of African-American history and continues to be viewed as an important and vital part of Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to supporting and promoting cultural heritage within the African-American community.