Why is our history still half ass celebrated by the majority of African Americans? Why is it still celebrated in a month that includes ‘President Day’, when there have been no African American president’s? Why do we celebrate July 4th, the Euro-American Independence Day? We were slaves on this day. Why do we rebel and rattle swords against the Confederate Flag, when we were under slavery the longest under the United States of America flag? Should we not boycott and speak out against the flying of ‘Old Glory’ over buildings?

These all are questions, which this one African in American male must ask. For we seem to be removing ourselves from our history and the ugly history of Euro-Americans, in the cause of trying to fully integrate and rid our collective consciousness of our African history.

I must admit that at my early age of 31 years, I may be more naïve than I want to admit. Then again, I have seen how African Americans have been so willing to cow tow to Euro Americans, it isn’t even funny, if it ever was. I have witnessed how African American parents, teachers, administrators, doctors, lawyers, etc. have stated publicly that African American Month should be done away with. That it causes divisions, as if there aren’t divisions already.

I am appalled at the rate in which African American children are distanced from their true heritage in the name of ‘going along to get along’. I still cry each time I hear of another brother or sister that is pimped in order to make our so called ‘Black’ groups seem like they are for us. I have heart burn each time I hear one of our so-called ‘leaders’, makes a speech.

I often wonder when will the important things such as choice in education, choice in political affiliation, and in voting practices are embraced. I wait the day that we no longer go along to get along or vote our votes into one political party that isn’t for us just as the ‘evil’ one isn’t for us, either.

Maybe this rant is warranted. Maybe it isn’t.

Antonio M. Lewis

Last Updated: 03.14.2004