F e b r u a r y    2 0 0 5 Jazz radio host Yugen Rashad's topics, opinions and insights tend to be controversial, entertaining, and to the point... so caveat emptor! - ed February Stole Blacks from History by Yugen Rashad February is a special month for a couple of reasons: the shortest - every four years a day is added, designated as Leap Year. The second reason is Black History Month. This year we have an extra day to embrace the experiences, and history of this group of Americans. I want to raise a question about its relevance in 21st Century America, with Oregon as the yardstick. Within the context of post modern Black History, there‘s been achievement but not triumph, battles but no victory. Oregon‘s people climate has its limitations when it comes to nurturing true understanding and appreciation for this minority group. Part of the blame is how blacks were treated by original settlers of the Oregon Territory. Prior to this state joining the union (1859), the Territory attracted white settlers by waves that drove stakes into this here land. History teaches that blacks were prohibited from laying claim to the territory, and were absent in the migration West but for a labor pool, or slavery. Today, the paltry number of black people in Oregon bespeaks of this history. According to the latest census blacks represent 1.8% of the population; Hispanic 9.2%; Asian/Pacific Islander 3.7%, Native American 1.4%, multiracial 2.3%, and whites 82.3%. Rest assure that size does matter. This may be part of the reason why more black people aren’t choosing to live in Oregon. A recent cover story in The Business Journal newspaper (10-8-04) revealed how a small black population hurts Portland’s efforts to attract talented minorities. Even in a progressive majority, which Portland isn’t, black people could perhaps appeal more sway. However, majority holds that Oregon is progressive, tolerant, and welcoming to all people. In hot pursuit of this utopian view is that population drives this sense of well being, and creates cultural identity, business and economic development, media, and employment. Take a long look at NW 23rd , 21st , SE Hawthorne, Division, NE Alberta, and North Mississippi corridors, for proof. On the other hand there’s a sense of dislocation and alienation for blacks which creates compensatory behaviors derived from a need to assimilate European, or Anglo-Saxon norms and customs in order to fit in. So the idea of a Black History Month celebration begs a definition in a setting where blacks are, by most indicators, marginalized. These factors illustrate a reality often overlooked by most, and challenges an effective awareness campaign as the one proposed by Black History Month. As a society we must take a step back to ensure the month be informed by a wholeness of identity, so very much in short supply in artistic and civic endeavor. Typically during February, you get a serving of accolades that honors Black Americans and the contributions made to science, education, literature, dance, music, theater and the arts. And yes, music, theater, drama and dance, are entreaties that provide enormous currency to group identity. The adage ‘Accept your Own, Be Yourself’ is a great motif for Black History Month and must be accessed, period. But cultural competencies must be in lock step with economic development, production, and commerce that immortalize contributions. Sadly, consumerism among Black people has disfigured youth, distorted bonds, and discourages the discourse of healing and intimacy within the group. Plus, contingent factors such as unemployment and institutional discrimination, race profiling and stereo-type, controls the terms of Black enterprise, while keeping the misery meter pinned in the red. The time is now to reject the seasonal nature inherent in the February celebration, and create something more sustainable. Theologically, one way is to perform the daily ritual of narcissism in the mirror before facing the world. Honestly reflect upon the Watusi warrior of lore. Understand that in spite of its negative Western connotations, the word vudu, voduh, vaudou, vaudoux or voodoo, is a Dahomey word that means ’genius’, protective spirit. Celebrate what it means to be a Black American through your own eyes, your own vision. Weltanschauung, or world view, should be claimed not through Anglo-Saxon, but through your own Afro-centered view. Celebrate the Wolof, Sudanese, Bantu in you. Only this way will you provide the world an even, undiluted dose of what it is that makes you smile, and be proud to claim the nommo, your mojo, your Blackness. The next February that rolls around be ready to take back your culture. Demand corporate America to disperse the resources more equitably so future generations of youth of all origins and ethnic backgrounds will attain the fullness of human expression the mainstream aspires to and enjoys, each day of living.