Ubuntu: Learning Our History, Shaping Our Future
The African philosophy of Ubuntu—often translated as “I am because we are”—reminds us that our lives are deeply connected. It speaks to the idea that our growth isn’t just about personal success but about how we contribute to and uplift our community. It also challenges us to recognize that who we are today is a reflection of those who came before us—their struggles, sacrifices, and victories shape the opportunities we now have.
As we begin Black History Month, Ubuntu calls on us to do more than just remember. It urges us to actively engage with history, to learn from it, and to use it as a tool for progress. The past isn’t something distant or disconnected from our present. It’s a guide, showing us where we’ve been so we can better understand where we’re going.
Why Knowing Our History Matters
It’s easy to take progress for granted when we don’t fully understand the battles fought to get us here. The rights and freedoms we experience today—education, voting, career opportunities, and even the ability to speak up against injustice—are the results of generations who refused to accept limits on their future.
By learning our history, we gain a deeper appreciation for these rights and recognize our role in continuing the work. Knowledge is power, but it’s also responsibility. When we know where we come from, we are better equipped to challenge misinformation, combat injustice, and ensure that history is preserved and passed down, not erased or rewritten.
Black history is more than a collection of past events—it is a living, breathing force that shapes the present. The resilience, innovation, and leadership of those who came before us offer lessons we can apply today. Their courage teaches us to stand firm in the face of adversity, their creativity inspires new ways of thinking, and their commitment to justice reminds us that change is always possible.
Black History Month Challenge: Learn, Share, Grow
This Black History Month, let’s move beyond acknowledgment and commit to action. Let’s take Ubuntu to heart by deepening our knowledge and sharing it with others. Here’s how you can take part:
📚 Learn – Choose a book, documentary, or article about a historical figure or event you haven’t explored before. Expand your understanding of Black history beyond what’s commonly taught.
💬 Share – Talk about what you’ve learned. Share insights with a friend, family member, or on social media. Conversations are one of the most powerful ways to keep history alive.
🚀 Grow – Use the lessons of history to fuel action. Speak up against injustice, support Black-owned businesses, mentor someone, or find ways to uplift your community.
History is more than a reflection—it’s a tool. The more we engage with it, the more we empower ourselves and those around us.
Are you in? Let’s make this Black History Month about learning, sharing, and growing—because when we invest in knowledge, we invest in the future.
I am because we are.