OPINIONS WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7
‘Treat yo’ self’: Valentine’s ideas from ‘Parks and Rec’ BY MADELINE MARTIN Staff Writer
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy, looking toward future solutions BY TYRANNI HUBBARD Guest Writer
Black History Month (BHM) is an inspirational month to celebrate the historical achievements born from the struggles of influential African American Civil Rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Ida B. Wells. Other timeless and compelling leaders also inspire us, such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, as well as the melodic classical compositions of musicians such as Scott Joplin the jazzy tunes of Duke Ellington and the “Queen of Jazz” herself Ella Fitzgerald. From the gentle and comforting poems of Maya Angelou to the 2008 inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States, history has been made. Today, history continues to be made with Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of African American and Asian descent. These are all renowned examples of African Americans who paved the way to further the journey toward civil freedoms, liberty and equality for all. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s influential speeches and
courageous ideals of equality and civil freedom during the 1960s were the predecessors to how African Americans can freely express their views today. His legacy continues to be impactful in the year 2021. Dr. King’s contributions in the fight for liberty for all whose race and culture may not have been appreciated in the past is honored and celebrated throughout BHM today. BHM and its precursor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, are designated opportunities to serve and give back to the community in ways the Lord has inspired us to do. Our task should be to model Dr. King’s service by not only providing for the underprivileged in the community through volunteering, but also by allowing the voice of the underprivileged to be heard. These are all ways that we should uplift others and strive for true equity as well as equality for all races. This endeavor does not have to last only one month out of the year. It can inspire everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and the unique compilation of other races that make up our society
throughout the year. The appreciation of the contributions of every race should be the thread that holds our society together. As a first grader, I remember asking a girl if she would play with me on the playground during recess. “I’m sorry,” she said, “but my dad won’t let me play with Black people.” At the age of 6, it broke my heart to experience racism at such an early age. Looking back at that experience today has only strengthened my belief in the equality that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fought so valiantly for his generation and future generations to have. It is important that we recognize the impact that Dr. King had during his lifetime. His great legacy of equality and civil freedom is now left for all of us to uphold. My hope is that in the future Dr. King’s sustaining spirit of civil freedom and equality gleams in the hearts and minds of future generations. This hope is reverberated in one of Dr. King’s most famous quotes. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
Bouquets of flowers, giant teddy bears, boxes of chocolates and colorful cards— these are the things that line the shelves in stores long before Valentine’s Day approaches. The holiday is highly commercialized, and for single people, it often seems that love is forced upon them in the months leading up to Feb. 14. As a single person, I admit that it is easy to feel that way about the holiday. I often feel a tinge of sadness when I have to walk past a sea of red, pink and hearts in Walmart. But over the years, I have actually learned how to see the holiday in a different light. When I think of Valentine’s Day, my mind goes to my favorite show: “Parks and Recreation.” If you are familiar with it, you know it is a hilarious series centered around a zany government office. You may be wondering what it has to do with Valentine’s Day. There are a couple of ideas from the show that have inspired me to get creative and celebrate the holiday a little differently. One thing that singles can do on Valentine’s Day is celebrate friendships. On the show, Leslie Knope throws an annual “Galentine’s Day” brunch with her close girlfriends on Feb. 13. I think that this is a great idea, and I have thrown “Galentine’s Day” gatherings with my friends in the past. Whether it is brunch, lunch or dinner, Galentine’s Day is a perfect way to bring together lady friends. They can be single friends or friends in relationships, but the point of the day is to leave the boyfriends at home and celebrate
your gal pals. It can be a great way to catch up and not focus on romantic relationships for a while. It does not have to be a girl thing. Guys can participate, too. I have also held a “Palentine’s Day” hangout with a group of guy and girl friends. You can tailor it to fit your friend group. The point is to celebrate meaningful friendships and to be surrounded by supportive people. Another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you are single is to practice self-care. This is best exemplified on “Parks and Rec” through Tom and Donna’s annual “Treat Yo’ Self Day.” Every year, the pair goes on a shopping spree and treats themselves to fancy dinners and spa days. While your budget may not allow for lavish spa days and highend shopping sprees, you can still treat yourself. Buy yourself some flowers, chocolates and maybe even a teddy bear. Buy that thing that you have been eyeing for a while. Treat yourself to your favorite meal. Spend a day relaxing and doing something that makes you happy. Go on a hike, get your nails done or read a book. Anything that you do to prioritize yourself will work. There are so many ways to practice self-love and self-care, and it can be very beneficial for your mental health. There is no rule that says you cannot be your own Valentine. Whether you choose to celebrate friendships or yourself this year, it is possible to find joy in singleness. Being single can be hard at times, especially when love and relationships are put on display for an entire holiday. However, it is important to love yourself before you can love someone else. There is joy in being single, and you are not alone in that. So, treat yo’ self.
