This is an article that I shared in February 2019. I wrote this article as a new publisher, sharing some of the reasons why Black media is necessary, particularly as it relates to Black history.
At that time, I had no idea that my opinion would be the topic of what is recognized as “anti-woke” politics today, and it really hurts to know that we have to fight to claim the right to–literally know who we are… This message means more to me today than it did in 2019, so I am sharing it again. Please read and share.
I am sure many of you know that Scoop USA celebrates Black history and our heritage 365 days a year, not just in February! Each and every week, included in the Scoop USA newspaper is the Black History Corner. The Black History Corner identifies historical events that occurred on the date the paper is published, and the subsequent Saturday and Sunday, giving you Black-oriented historical facts for that week.
During Black History Month, Scoop gives you Black history galore. Each week in the month includes additional Black-related, historical events that tell the story (our story) of where we have been, which in turn, allows us to understand where we can go!
I am not a Black history historian. In fact, my interest and understanding of the importance of knowing my history peaked when I began working at Scoop. I learned a lot about Philadelphia’s Black history and the impact the Civil Rights Movement and segregation had on this city and its people. I know firsthand that Black history is the untold story of how we came to be who and what we are. Unfortunately, as a product of the Philadelphia School System, I was privy to only a limited amount of Black history since it was mainly taught in February, the shortest month of the year. I didn’t know or understand then the impact that not knowing my history would have on my life. Truthfully, I didn’t “get it” until now.
As I look at our youth and speak with my children and those of family and friends, I know something is missing. There is a gap between what we view as history and the lives we live today.
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Thank you for reading Sherri Darden’s article on scoopnewsusa.com. For more on “Celebrating Black History Month”, please subscribe to SCOOP USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital, and VIZION) are $90. (52 weeks / 1 year).
