Every Feb. 1, I wake up and think, “It’s Black History Month.” And then I think what a shame that black history is still relegated to a mere month out of the year.  

   Face it, people -- black history is American history and should be part of our students’ -- if not our own everyday curriculum for lifelong learning.  We have so much to learn about each other’s stories -- for that is what history is -- that an excellent well-rounded education demands that we widen our focus, step out of our comfort zones and explore the world of knowledge that is out there and easily accessible due to the internet.  Not to mention the programs that are available to light the fires of our interest and imagination each and every day if we just take the time to look for them. 

   So I am going to suggest some ideas and action-oriented opportunities with you.  I challenge you to devote just one hour a day for the next 29 days learning what you never knew about black history in America.

   1. Pick up an issue of the Kansas City Call newspaper.  They are available at Hen House for 70 cents. There is a wealth of information about black history programs that will be taking place this month, as well as news articles, editorials and features that you will never find in most newspapers. This and other black newspapers are also available to read at your local library.

   2.  Speaking of the library there are some excellent books that delve deeply into diverse subjects related to black history. Check out just one and you may decide to go back for more.

   3.  The library also carries many free DVD titles that depict Black History and stories about what life used to be like for Black Americans.  In many cases those stories are still relevant and making people sit up and take notice -- like the new movie that came out last year -- “The Help.”  The book is even better than the movie, by the way.  And the West Wyandotte Library will have a Black History program of PBS documentaries at 6:30 p.m. every Wed. in February.  In addition they will have a KCKCC Jazz Concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7; Black History Jeopardy at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21; and an African-American Read-In Open Mic on Monday, Feb. 27, from 7-8 p.m. in the auditorium.  Visit the library nearest you to pick up a flier about all the other Black History learning opportunities available at our local libraries.

   4. Those of us who saw the mini-series “Roots” that came out in 1977 remember well the impact it had on our American psyches as we sat mesmerized in front of our TV sets with our families and friends -- watching the life of Kunta Kinte and his descendents unfold before our eyes.  It’s time to show this mini-series again to all those Americans who missed that experience.  How about it PBS? Or OWN? Or BET? Or ABC again?  Why wait?  You can check out the entire series at the library.

   5. Check out Politics Nation with Al Sharpton at 5 p.m. on MSNBC.  You may discover new perspectives on the current remaining Republican candidates for President, who represent the party that has been hell-bent on removing our nation’s first black president since the day he took office.

   6.   Attend a black church that will welcome you as a visitor and invite you to join their church, if the Spirit moves you.  I have not entered any black church across America and not felt welcome.  May I suggest my home church, St. Monica’s Catholic Church at 1616 The Paseo, whose motto is: “A Church Alive is Worth the Drive!”  It has a wonderful Inspirational Gospel Choir that will have you rising up out of your seat and clapping along, if not singing along.  Because the hymns are of a “Call and Response” nature, anybody can sing. Even you, my brothers and sisters!  See you at 10 a.m. this coming Sunday as we celebrate the diversity in our beloved community.

   7.  Bethel SDA Church at 6910 Riverview Ave. in KCK will have a black history program on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. for an “Ole Time Gospel Choir and Preachin’” and Praise and Worship all day Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. It’s a great way to spend a weekend.

   8.  Faith Lutheran Church will have a play about Harriet Tubman on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m.  Our KCK resident historian, Chester Owens, will be speaking at this program.

   9.  On Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 the movie “Night Catches Us” will be shown from 12-1:30 p.m. at the KCKCC Intercultural Center.

   10.  On Feb. 14 the KCKCC Book Club will discuss the book “The Help” from 12-1 p.m. in the KCKCC Intercultural Center.

   11.  On Feb. 22 the program “Tanzania: Past, Present, Future” will be held at KCKCC in Room 2325 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

   12.  On Feb. 29 the program “Slavery, Migration, Exodusters and Kansas Black Towns” will be held at KCKCC in Room 2325 from 10-11 a.m.

   13.  The next KCK NAACP meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Bethany Plaza, 21 No. 12th. St. in KCK in the 2nd. floor meeting room. They welcome visitors and new members who are interested in working toward justice and peace in our community.

   14.  Have you visited the Old Quindaro Museum yet?  There is a treasure trove of American history right here in our own community.  It is located at 3432 N. 29th St. in KCK.  You may call 913-244-8207 to find more information about when you can visit.

   15.  Did you know there is a huge mural at KCKCC depicting the story of Old Quindaro?  It is worth a trip to campus just to view this piece of art depicting our own local diverse history.  This is a great educational field trip for schools and families. 

   16. The KCKCC Intercultural Center is also a great place to find educational exhibits about all cultures.  The display window outside of it is always a conversation starter, and the 2012 black history display will be available for viewing soon.

   17. Read stories to your children and grandchildren that will inspire them to search for more information about famous black leaders in the fields of education, medicine, invention, visual arts, music, dance, entertainment, literature, sports, journalism.  Children who have such knowledge will have an advantage over peers who missed out on these opportunities.  I was one of those poor souls whose eyes were opened at KCKCC about all that I had missed.

   18. Teach your children and grandchildren by example that we are all members of the same human family and each and every person deserves respect, regardless of any differences in skin color, beliefs, or culture.

   19. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi.      You can do that simply by practicing “The Golden Rule” with everyone you meet.  Children learn by watching adults first -- then their peers.

   20. Practice “agape love.”  Martin Luther King Jr. did -- and he now has a national holiday in his honor every January.  Did you attend the MLK celebration at the Reardon Center in 2012?  It was astounding how many people showed up this year, due to the wonderful weather. Remember…this day is a day for everyone to celebrate. 

   21. Smile and greet people you meet at the store.  Making friends with people you have never met before can be an exhilarating experience.

   22. Look for opportunities to serve others. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Anyone can be great, because anyone can serve.” Could you be a mentor for an at-risk youth?

   23. Try a soul food restaurant in your neighborhood or community.  Step out of your gastronomic comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised.

   24. Support all of our local small businesses. Everybody needs help to keep afloat during this economic crisis we are currently experiencing.

   25. “Reduce…Recycle…Re-use” -- and try to influence others to do the same.  The world we create now is the one our beloved grandchildren will inherit.  Protect them by reducing your own carbon footprint. This is a way to help all our neighborhoods survive and thrive.

   26. If you have a lot -- whether it be of time, talent, or treasure --be generous with those who have little or nothing.  This is a way to create a  beloved community of people who care about one another’s well-being, a Christian principle that Jesus demonstrated throughout his life.  

   27. Be compassionate and forgiving to those who hurt your feelings or rub you the wrong way.  Realize that no one is perfect and anyone can have an occasional bad day.

   28. Don’t call people names -- like “Food Stamp President.”  Show good home training and class, no matter who chooses to take the low road.  Take the high road and people will follow.

   29. I just gave you 28 suggestions you can put into practice this month as we celebrate black American history.  I leave it to you to come up with an idea for day 29.  What will you do, my brothers and sisters---to create a “beloved community?”  And if these ideas have inspired you--- make this a daily practice during 2012 and see how much your life will change.  You will be blessed!