February’s Triumph: Honoring the Black Memoir
Nicole Dipre
Every February, when the uppermost branches of barren trees
fade to a foggy, white sky, we remember the forgotten
African American peoples and their creations: the roots of
this nation. A nation built on Black struggle, Black invention,
and Black culture.
Faded into and claimed by the White.
Every February, we hear of abolition and perseverance from
past generations, the countless, continued efforts for change
and equality that are dismissed, silenced and shut down
every year after innocent brothers and sisters are shot down.
Injustice.
Disallowed peaceful sleep in your own home.
Injustice.
Disallowed defense of yourself or your loved ones. Injustice.
Disallowed questions or breathe, being taught that your
darker-skinned mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends are
less worthy of respect, protection, and joy.
But every February we can be joyous and prideful, we must be.
Taking back what was stolen and denied, smiling and dancing.
Wrapping ourselves in color, music, in loving memory.
Wearing our hair, jewelry, and cloth made
by ourselves, for ourselves.
Our deserved and necessary Black joy.