My Black History Month Reflection: Why Words and Images Matter
Whether faith guides you or not, human dignity is not up for debate.
For the unaware, for centuries, Black people were portrayed as apes to justify slavery, segregation, and violence. That history was intentional. It was dehumanizing. It caused real harm!
So when imagery compares Black leaders to animals, even if someone calls it “just a Lion King reference” from The Lion King, context still matters. History does not disappear because something is labeled satire (humor).
Leadership is not just about what you can post. It’s about what you should post. Wisdom asks: How will this land? Who might this harm?
So when any public figure, especially someone occupying the highest office in the land, shares or allows the sharing of imagery that echoes a painful history, it cannot simply be dismissed.
Silence or refusal to correct such actions matters. Leadership requires accountability. Scripture reminds us:
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Ephesians 4:29
“To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48
We cannot claim ignorance of history and expect to move forward in unity.
“Clearly, the education system doesn’t do enough to educate us about the science or history of man. Because if it did, we would see the disappearance of the ape insult.” (Bradley,2013)
This further affirms that when we do not know history, we risk repeating it. When we excuse it, we normalize it!!!
The fact that this particular incident from the President occurred during Black History Month only underscores why remembering history matters.
Influence is power. And it carries responsibility.
#KnowYourHistory #IAmBecoming2019 #MichelleObama #Elegance&Class #VoterRegistration
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/3043-the-ape-insult--a-short-history-of-a-racist-idea
Photos: Me attending the I Am Becoming Tour 2019
No comments:
Post a Comment