By: April Turner, Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Occasionally, someone asks the question, “Why celebrate Black History Month?” There are several ways to answer this question. Yes, there are notable events and facts to remember. It is indeed good to have an informed view of our history. And yes, it is good to be aware of our material and civic contributions to America and the world. All of that is true.

But a more essential fact for us to remember during this month, is that there is power in celebration. When we come together to lift every voice and sing our songs and clear the floor so we can dance our dances— we create a rejuvenating power that energizes us to continue moving forward.

When we gather at the bridges and roads to commemorate the freedom marches, we are not mourning, we are celebrating the strong hearts and victories of those who dared to walk together. When we read aloud the names, and stories, and accomplishments of the generations who have come before us— we are celebrating openly the fact of our absolute strength (by God’s grace) to survive and live brilliantly no matter what.

In traditional cultures, the act celebration is a deliberate use of soul force to build and unite the people. By coming together to celebrate, we then have a shared experience that unites us with memory and movement. Celebration therefore is not a frivolous act. Celebration is fun and joyful, but it is also a firm determination to live and move forward.

Committing to cultivate the energy of celebration as a people is an empowering declaration honoring and continuing everything that’s great and beautiful and powerful about our people.

ULCC invites you to come celebrate Black History Month with us! Whether in-person or virtual, we are coming together as one community to remember as we move forward joyfully.

We invite you visit our website and social media often this month. We will be honoring our trailblazing elders and celebrating our brilliant local Black-owned business owners. We will host Innovation Workshops with some of our banking partners, while we celebrate inventors of the past who have contributed greatly to society.

In true Urban League style, we will come together at the Annual Meeting and League Opportunity Coalition Meeting to strategize ways to continue forward progress for the communities we serve. Join us in celebration this Black History Month as we cultivate ways to rejuvenate, energize and activate new successes ahead.

In celebration we remember and move.