By Cherranda Smith
Feb 3, 2021
Black history month gives us the space to recognize figures from around the world who have made an impact on the global Black community.
The contributions of these figures, and so many others, worked to end oppressive systems, break barriers, and bring to light the challenges faced by Black people everywhere.
They’ve protested, led, marched, fought, broke barriers, and should be celebrated for their sacrifice and the impact they made along the way. The legacy some have left behind has guided the paths of many leaders for generations and some are making their mark on history right now.
Black History Month 2021: Personal connections to books on history nydailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nydailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Amy Jacques Garvey with her husband, Marcus. (Photo courtesy of The Conversation)
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions of Black people in the United States. Too often, however, this history focuses on Black men, sidelining Black women and diminishing their contributions.
This is true in mainstream narratives of Black nationalist movements in the United States. These narratives almost always highlight the experiences of a handful of Black nationalist men, including Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan.
Contrary to popular conceptions, women were also instrumental to the spread and articulation of black nationalism the political view that people of African descent constitute a separate group on the basis of their distinct culture, shared history and experiences.
They are the universal symbols of the holiday season.
Menorahs and dreidels, wreaths and trees, unity cups and bowls of fruit all integral parts of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
While each has its own customs and meanings and ways to celebrate, all three share one thing in common: light.
Hanukkah has its eight candles in the menorah. Christmas includes an Advent wreath with four candles. Kwanzaa is symbolized with seven candles.
Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Symbols of Hanukkah include dreidels, gold coins and the menorah.
Hanukkah
“Each day adds a little bit more of light,” said Rabbi Elchonon Friedman of Bnai Emunoh Chabad in Greenfield when talking about the menorah. “We need the light in this time of the year when it gets dark so early.”