Dear Family and Friends,
February is Black History Month. Let us remember that this is a time to reflect on the role and significance of Black history in the American story. It’s a chance to tell our stories of determination, sacrifice, leadership, perseverance and achievement. And, it’s an opportunity to rise above centuries of persistent inequality and systemic racism that has stifled, for far too long, the identity and aspirations of the Black community.
This year’s theme, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States. As Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, once said, “There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering.”
While recognition is important, let’s do more than just remember the contributions and accomplishments of our sisters and brothers – like Rev. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, John Lewis – and those lesser known to history who follow and forge their own paths. Let us not only honor their struggles, every day of the year, but also continue their work and advance their ideals for the benefit of future generations.
We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. Now is the time for all of us to work together to overcome the barriers to justice and equality that still exist. We must be the change we wish to see in this world.
This February, UAC will continue to advance our work with the Ending Racism Partnership – our signature effort to develop key strategies and spark engagement to push forward the movement to end racism. Understanding that our past is inextricably linked to our future is an important part of this work. I look forward to having you join us in this important fight.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner
President/CEO
Sharmain@uac.org