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Insight News • February 26, 2024 - March 3, 2024 • Page 1
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Insight News
February 26, 2024 - March 3, 2024
Vol. 51 No. 9• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Celebrating Black History: A daily imperative By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer Dr. Irma McClaurin, the culture and education editor for Insight News, unequivocally asserts, “We need Black History Month every damn day of the year.” This sentiment, echoed through generations, underscores the enduring importance of recognizing and honoring Black history beyond a mere month. McClaurin’s call for perpetual acknowledgment of Black contributions reflects a longstanding debate within academic circles—a debate fueled by the conviction that Black history deserves a central place in our collective consciousness year-round. The origins of Black History Month trace back to the visionary efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, hailed as the Father of Black History. Initially established as Negro History Week in 1926, it
Dr. Irma McClaurin
Yusef Mgeni
Dr. John Henrik Clarke
Saunders Redding
commemorated the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, symbolic figures in African American history. This week-long celebration served as a catalyst for broader recognition, culminating in the declaration of African or Black History Month in 1976, coinciding with the Bicentennial of the United States. Yusef Mgeni, in his illuminating discourse alongside
Dr. McClaurin, sheds light on the enduring relevance of Black history through poignant quotes from renowned historians. Dr. John Henrik Clarke eloquently articulates the transformative power of history, stating, “History develops a pride and awareness in people so that they can become better instruments for living together with other people.” This assertion resonates deeply, emphasizing the role
of Black history in fostering solidarity and understanding among diverse communities. Saunders Redding further enriches the dialogue with his metaphorical depiction of history as a compass and a clock, guiding individuals through the complexities of human geography. His words underscore the intimate connection between a people and their history—a connection
likened to that between a child and its mother. History not only informs us of our past but also serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward. Despite the strides made since the inception of Black History Month, contemporary challenges persist, casting a sobering shadow over progress. Instances of police brutality and systemic
racism continue to mar the socioeconomic landscape, perpetuating injustices that echo across generations. Movements like Black Lives Matter emerge as powerful catalysts for change, demanding accountability and systemic reform. As we commemorate the 98th observance of Black History Month in 2024, it is imperative to reflect on the journey thus far and the road ahead. By embracing the timeless wisdom of scholars like Dr. John Henrik Clarke and Saunders Redding, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and equality for all. Black history is not a mere footnote in the annals of time but a living testament to resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity. It is a legacy worthy of celebration, contemplation, and perpetual acknowledgment—every damn day of the year.
Museums as cultural keepers In the vast landscape of American history, there are often overlooked stories, untold narratives, and voices waiting to be heard. Amidst this rich mosaic of experiences lie the vital stories of Black Americans—stories of resilience, triumph, and cultural heritage. Dr. Deborah Johnson-Simon emerges as a guiding light, dedicating over three decades to ensuring that these narratives remain etched in the annals of time. Dr. Johnson-Simon’s journey commenced with an unyielding passion for anthropology and museum studies, culminating in degrees from esteemed institutions such as Arizona State University and the University of Florida. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a remarkable career devoted to the preservation of African descendant
museums across various states, from Arizona to Georgia. Reflecting on her extensive research and teaching experience, Dr. Johnson-Simon shares, “Being a museum anthropologist, most people kind of look at me and say, ‘What in the world? How do you do it? Does anybody care?’ And once I start to talk about the fact that even children can get excited about doing this, it takes on a different flavor.” Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. JohnsonSimon’s research has traversed continents, from the shores of Belize to the bustling streets of Ghana and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her tireless efforts have not only enriched academic discourse but have also highlighted the global significance of preserving Black history. “I think the most important thing for me is that we all remember that museums aren’t always those formal buildings. Museums are us, museums are people,” Dr. Johnson-Simon emphasizes. “We leave a legacy. And I want
you to think about what is the legacy that you’re leaving because somebody has to come along and they won’t know that story if you don’t tell them.” But Dr. JohnsonSimon’s impact transcends academia. As a prolific author, her books such as “Cultural Keepers Arizona” and “Cultural Keepers-Florida” serve as invaluable resources for understanding the rich mosaic of Black culture and heritage. Her commitment to education is evident in her children’s books, which not only entertain but also instill a sense of pride and curiosity about museums in young minds. Speaking about the importance of passing down cultural traditions, Dr. Johnson-Simon shares, “Tell your story through your stuff. Find those things. If mama did this thing and you are doing it and you don’t know about it, write it down so that when your grandchild or your greatgrandbaby comes along, they don’t have to figure it out.” Yet, perhaps Dr.
Johnson-Simon’s most profound impact lies in her advocacy for Black museums and grassroots cultural initiatives. She understands that museums are not just brickand-mortar institutions but living, breathing repositories of history and culture. Through her work, she has documented countless grassroots museums, from family collections in private homes to community spaces like the Kiah Museum in Savannah, Georgia. The story of the Kiah Museum is a testament to Dr. Johnson-Simon’s unwavering dedication to preserving Black history. “It wasn’t a museum as this colonial concept of what a museum is. She had her own vision and she called her museum in Savannah, and the one that she did to honor her mother in Baltimore, museums for the masses, meaning all of those who would normally not be welcome or appreciated,” Dr. Johnson-Simon reflects. Dr. Johnson-Simon’s message is clear: Black history is not confined to textbooks or
Q Bear Banks
Richard Chakolis
Augustine Willie Dominguez
Shirley Gardner
By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer
Dr. Deborah Johnson-Simon is a scholar-in-residence at Savannah State University and the CEO and founder of the African Diaspora Museology Institute in Savannah. She›s worked for a decade to preserve the Kiah House, and was the driving force behind the historical marker that now stands in front of the 505 W. 36th St. property. museum walls—it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. As we navigate the complexities of the present, let us heed her call to embrace our history, preserve
our heritage, and ensure that future generations inherit some world rich in the stories of those who came before us.
Chief Vusumuzi Zulu
Medaria Arradondo
Preserving Legacies: Honoring living history in Black communities By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer Celebrating Black History Month goes beyond mere recognition; it’s about amplifying the voices and stories of those who have made significant contributions to society, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. In a recent conversation led by Dr. Irma McClaurin, the spotlight was on two remarkable individuals, Dr. Alicia Gibson and Pastor Lorraine Gurley, whose dedication to their communities and commitment to preserving history serve as inspirations to us all. Dr. Alicia Gibson,
an educator and community advocate, has dedicated her life to fostering collaboration, advocating for criminal justice reform, and promoting education and environmental sustainability. With a diverse background spanning anthropology, law, and conflict resolution, Dr. Gibson’s journey is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary knowledge and a global perspective. As she eloquently puts it, “I enjoy learning deeply about how we organize our social lives and about people and cultures around the world.” She further emphasizes her passion for building collaborative community partnerships, stating, “I’m passionate
about building collaborative community partnerships, the environment, criminal justice reform, education and caring for people.” Dr. Gibson’s leadership is not just about words; it’s about action, about making tangible differences in the lives of those around her. Joined by Pastor Lorraine Gurley, whose decades-long work in supporting children, families, and communities exemplifies resilience and compassion, the conversation delved into the importance of celebrating living history. Pastor Gurley’s expertise in grief recovery, advocacy, and mentorship underscores the transformative power of community engagement and support.
In Pastor Gurley’s own words, she expresses the heart behind their initiative: “We are a group of men and women who have gotten together... to showcase some of [the elders]. We want to continue this on every year so that we let them know how much that we love them, how much that we thank them, how much that they have given to us. We want to give something back to them.” Together, Dr. Gibson and Pastor Gurley are spearheading a celebration of elders, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the often overlooked contributions of community members. Their event, to be held at the Capri Theatre, promises an evening of reflection, appreciation,
and storytelling. With a lineup including esteemed guests like the Sounds of Blackness and Senator Bobby Joe Champion, the event aims to honor individuals whose impact reverberates far beyond their immediate circles. Dr. McClaurin emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuals like Q Bear Banks, Richard Chakolis, and Augustine Willie Dominguez, stating, “Black history is not confined to textbooks or museums— it’s alive in the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to uplifting others.” For those eager to participate in this momentous occasion, tickets for the dinner are available, offering an
opportunity to not only enjoy a delicious meal but also support a worthy cause. Pastor Gurley encourages participation, stating, “They can come to our show... We want to let them know how much that we love them, how much that we thank them.” In the spirit of Black History Month, let us come together to honor the living legends among us, to celebrate their resilience, and to amplify their voices. Visit legaciesmn. org for more information on how you can be a part of this transformative event. Let us heed the call to action and ensure that the legacies of those who have shaped our communities endure for generations to come.