Black history Is Important

By: Kat Collins

Our national Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and was celebrated last Monday, across the nation.

On a later date that week Carolyn Parson an Academic Advisor at Hutchinson Community College spoke in an Interview with the Collegian about Martin Luther King Jr., and Black history and why it is important.

 As an African American woman, her history is very important to her. “Why black history is important to me is that certainly that I know my own History, and know how I came here. That it was not necessarily free choice, and that it took the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation for us to be somewhat free. So, it’s important that we understand our own personal Histories and our own personal struggles.” She said.

She spoke in the interview about what Martin Luther King Jr had done for others and what how that affects her now. “Well because I am a person who live during the time that he was alive. I’m not going to always find myself in situations where I am among others who look like me; either in work, in business, or in school.  So, what Dr. King Taught me is that I belong to be wherever I am. So, knowing that I am not fearful of being the only one in terms of numbers.”

                  She had thought back to when she was a girl living in the south, she remembers, what happened in the south was that in certain places did not accept African Americans in certain places. So, they created their own environment. Where they could educate their own; they relied on their churches to understand politics. In the black community, they would grow their own food and share with others.

“They just developed their own subculture, so that they could function and didn’t have to rely on businesses or go to the city. We created our own communities where we lived and helped each other.” Mrs. Parsons Said.

Coming up for the month of February Celebrating Black History Month. On 1^st of February at the Reno County Museum, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. For the opening reception of the exhibit “Past, Present & Future: African American Community in Reno County”.

                  On The 16^th of February, a contest opens to USD 308 elementary students, named The Scharlotte Minnis “Tell Us About It” Poster and Display Contest where students will learn about a famous African American person and write a speech and make a poster. And present their speeches and posters, to have a chance to win a gift card.

                  On February 19^th at 10:30 am, at the Hutchinson Sports Arena Dr. Rick Rigsby will present a presentation for the Dillon lecture series.  On Hearing wisdom of past generations saying what should be truly important and meaningful, wisdom that shall inspire, and motivate and empower you of make an impact rather than an impression.

Views: 70