Black History Month to me signifies a twin point of reflection and creation. Reflecting on our history, struggles and growth as Black people so that we may use those learnings to better shape the prosperous world we wish to create. Akan people of Ghana have a symbol called Sankofa which expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress. This perfectly captures the spirit of Black History Month for me, it’s a positive relationship.
In terms of where I fit within all this, I think there is a lot more I wish I were doing to push the culture forward. To bring about sweeping changes. But I recognise that we do this (collectively) in our own idiosyncratic way. Conquering daily mountains and challenging archaic systems. Asking the right questions can be as important as providing the right answers. As I grow older, I am less committed to the roles of ‘heroes’ and ‘saviours’ and more to ideas of community and teamwork. To be young, gifted and Black is a blessing. A responsibility, for sure. But a blessing I am grateful to share with so many others. I want to always remember that.