We are at the tip end of Black History Month. How’s it been for you?
Normally, I would have attended Black History Month programs here in Austin. But not this year. My interest wasn’t there and then there’s Stage 5 restrictions. . .
Honestly, I will say my attitude during Black History Month is not always the best. Cringe-worthy random collections of books on display at the local library. The Color Purple on repeat.
But I know people are doing the best they can. It’s just a month of mixed emotions.
But I’m happy to report things are changing for me. Here are some of the highlights from Black History Month, 2022.
Passing with Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson was powerfully fascinating and reminded me of how often “passing” was mentioned in my childhood. More programming here.
Making lard-based biscuits from my well-worn copy of Edna Lewis’ seminal cookbook, The Taste of Country Cooking takes me back to what I know is true and real for me.
And researching callaloo to prepare Flaky Andouille and Callaloo Hand Pies from The Rise of Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food, written by the accomplished and ever popular,
Chef Marcus Samuelsson, had me scouting through specialty stores.
And then of course there was retail.
Too many things to mention, but this might be a fine article if you’re still shopping black or
African-American products (which, of course, I hope you are.)
I’ve also noticed for the last couple of years the celebration merchandise by mainstream companies is looking fresher, more deliberate, better designed.
In terms of big box retail, I think we should give a special shoutout to Target. Storewide, over the last couple of years they’ve been killing it with thoughtful African American collabs, increased African-American produced products on the shelves and instore products and services that make the shopping experience for people of color, relevant.
Beth, Little Rock Nine, and Ivanhoe Donaldson
I couldn’t end this blog without mentioning Beth’s experience. She says her month was rather quiet. But she did attend one event worth a mention.
Hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, a lovely luncheon was held with the keynote delivered by Ernest Green.
Mr. Green is the youngest member of the historical Little Rock Nine. A wonderful speaker, he reminded her not only of the significance of the movement in 1957, but just how personal it was.
On a side note, Mr. Green mentioned, the late Ivanhoe Donaldson in his remarks.
Ivanhoe Donaldson was a committed civil rights pioneer and coincidentally was also a guest at our Sunday-supper table.
We were just kids, so I don’t know all the particulars surrounding his visit. But we knew he was proudly fighting the fight of equal rights for our people, and it was an honor to have him in our home. And as four preteen girls we thought he was gorgeous.
So, that’s it. We have Black History Month, 2022 under our belt and we’re better for it.
How was yours?
Oh, one more thing to mention – did you listen to EJSpeaks Black History Month minutes on
YouTube? Some are informative and some are simply hilarious.
Thanks for stopping by -
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