Black History is Everybody's History

Happy Black History Month! It's no time like the present for you to learn your history. During 2020, the Telegram News had a series entitled, 'Pioneers of African American History' written by Renee Summers. The section focused on sharing information about unfamiliar African Americans. Most people know about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Madame C. J. Walker, but there are so many others that helped to shape our country and our lives.

I grew up in a household that focused on learning about Black history. We played Black History Bingo, had Black History Trivia games and my parents made sure we visited museums to learn about our history and took trips to expose us to famous people and locations. My siblings and I, all attended a Historically Black College or University where we learned even more history and built upon the pride that we have about being Black Americans. Lastly, to help with our learning process, we spent every Sunday with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members and friends that happened to stop by at 'The Farm' in the country for that good fellowship and good food. I didn't know it then, but those discussions and lessons helped us to learn our family history. And wouldn't you know it, WE have become the history that people can learn about. Throughout 2021, I will take my publisher's privilege to continue to share our successes with our readers. My family has roots in the City of River Rouge, but we are now planted throughout the United States.

The Telegram Newspaper is a Black History fact too. It is the oldest weekly community newspaper that is owned by a Black woman in Michigan. Throughout 2021, we will continue to focus on sharing history about Black people with the purpose of stimulating interest and encouraging people to learn about the culture of Black Americans. Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week in February 1926 with the goal of making black history accessible to a wider audience. I am picking up the torch that he left so buckle up and get ready to read and learn. I agree with the statement, 'Black History is Everybody's History.'

Join with me as we learn, share and teach Black History within the pages of the Telegram Newspaper throughout the year, not just in February.

Gina Wilson Steward

COE/Publisher