Poetic Tongues/Fabu
Black History in the Making
It is 98 years later, that we continue to celebrate Black History Month (also referred to as African American History Month). The Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects themes for the yearly celebrations in February and was founded by Black historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and Black minister, Jesse E. Moorland, who jointly founded Negro History Week in 1926 for the purpose of alerting all Americans that their Black neighbors were so much more than formerly enslaved people and that they had accomplished much in the United States and in the world. These two men used scientific evidence and facts that could not be disputed in telling the narratives of Black people.
The 2024 theme from the Study of African American Life and History is African Americans and the Arts. This theme is welcoming to all artists, like myself, and art lovers like you, dear readers. February was chosen as the month for Black History because both Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays in February. Woodson considered them heroes in the cause of Black freedom. I’d like to suggest that we need more modern-day heroes and allies and the hope is during Black History Month 2024, these leaders will arise.
Madison’s newest Black Business Hub is a dream of Dr. Ruben Anthony Jr. that has become a reality. I recently was given a tour of the Hub and it is magnificent in every way. The Hub is almost completed, and the majority of the money needed has been raised to meet the initial goal. Hundreds of businesses are waiting to be screened and accepted as initial tenants and more businesses are invited to be considered. For those of us who have always loved South Madison, we realized early on that this is an important corridor, and not just the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in Madison, but full of people who are talented and innovative. The new Hub Director, Ms. Magugu Davis is the person to contact at the Urban League of Greater Madison. Every Madisonian should tour this building to experience firsthand the creativity and excellence that went into every aspect of this building.
How proud I am as an African American living in Madison that we have this building in our community dedicated to the African American community and the well-being of its people, businesses and our brilliant thought processes and cultural identity. Truly this is a Black History Month to celebrate at a different level of achievement.
I hope the Hub marks Black people’s continued success in all arenas, including politics. I was present at Wesley Sparkman’s announcement to enter the race for Dane County Executive at the beginning of Black History Month. I feel proud that this honest, erudite, and thoughtful Black man is entering politics. I have known Wesley, his wife, and his children for decades. I am absolutely certain that this is the finest candidate for Dane County Executive because I have watched him, over the years navigate difficult committees, find solutions to complex situations, work respectfully with complicated people with different views, and Dane County can trust him to do the best for every citizen. I am elated to vote “for” someone I trust and not voting for a candidate who I hope will do the least harm. This is Black history at its finest; the ability to participate as both voter and candidate in making a change in Dane County for the better.
