Know the Past, Shape the Future

“Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history, or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington, or from some of our sports heroes,” President Barack Obama said in a 2016 speech.”It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.” I could not find a better way to state what President Barack Obama so eloquently articulated, so why reinvent the wheel? Despite the numerous challenges surrounding the pandemic, we all know there have also been several silver linings. With hybrid learning still very present, one such tinsel turn of events is the fact that FXW was compelled to take a different, more integrated approach to celebrating Black History Month. Helping us kick off this celebration is herstory maker herself, our own Honorable Mayor Lori Lightfoot. To learn more about how FXW is reminding our community that “Black History Month is not just a month, just a month we celebrate”, click here.

—Kendall Mallette, Director of Mission Integration