|
In recognition of Black History month, Stamford Prevention Council member, Dr. Maggie Young who is Chief Recovery Officer at Liberation Programs and recently awarded Stamford Citizen of the year, shares her thoughts on Black History Month.
Throughout the media, repeatedly, I hear the statement, “Black History is American History” what exactly does that mean? Likely, a different meaning for each person who speaks it. As a black woman, all I know is Black History, is everything in my world view, my experience and socialization and it comes from my cultural of Black History - gained from my ancestors’ intentional or unintentional teachings. We also commonly make the statement that we are one. We are each individual, some similarities in blood type and it may end there.
Infused in my Black History I was taught, as a young girl, that I am not offered the same opportunities as some. This is a fact that I live with every day, I recognize that I need to SUIT UP differently than a person, not living in the same color of skin as me. No less, I cannot allow that to be an excuse to forget whose shoulders I stand on and to pay it forward for generations coming after me. With perseverance, no matter what - I prepare for the day although differently than others it is the way that I was taught to prepare, I show up, and I look for opportunities to stand with, share with, be with, and experience life with others. Although February is the shortest month of the year, when some celebrate Black History Month, I celebrate Black History every minute of every day!
In 2026, if feels like we are moving towards segregation other than away from it. What steps can WE take to ensure that none of us are supporting segregation?
| 
