Happy Black History Month from CEO Letesha Nelson

By Letesha Nelson, Goodman Center CEO / Executive Director

I wanted to take a moment to share information about Black History Month, which started as Negro History week in 1926.

Black History Month has always been a big part of who I am as a person. My father, who I talk about a lot, taught my siblings and I about Black history every day of the year for as long as I can remember. Not just about those we read about in the history books like MLK, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes and Rosa Parks, but about those in our community who changed the course of livelihood for African American people in Milwaukee, like O.C. White, Vel Phillips and Lloyd Barbee.

I’ve tried to do the same with my own children and now with my grandson Xavier. In discussions with Xavier, I tell him that HE is Black history. He asked me one day how HE is Black history. I explained that it doesn’t take you receiving the Nobel Peace Prize like MLK, being a talk show host like Oprah or even being a five-time MVP like Michael Jordan. It’s what you do to help to shape a community – advocate in your neighborhood, your family – that makes you Black history.

I talk to Xavier about the pride and commitment of our African and African American ancestors and that we need to make sure we acknowledge the sacrifices they made. It’s key today that we teach our youth that no matter where they come from, they are history in the making. This month is a way to shine a light on it, but it should be acknowledged and celebrated every day because Black Lives Matter!

Please continue to spend time celebrating the lives of those who have contributed to making America what it is, and honor your ancestors for paving the way.