How Arizonans can embrace Black history beyond February

Teniqua Broughton

Submitted photo

My hope is for people to embrace the discomfort of the unknown in their hearts and minds and dive into curiosities of Black history, heritage and culture, which is a part of the story that is American history.”

Black History Month, observed in February, means knowledge-building, legacy-creating and racial injustice-healing. It’s about teaching the generations to come that we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us.

To me, Black history is more than a month. There are knowledge-based activities that should be done beyond the 28 days. There is information about Black history that exists every day that we should learn. It’s American history! So how can we transition this education beyond February?

People have asked, why is there a Black chamber? A Hispanic chamber? I explain that someone from outside a community, especially from the dominant one, is not always the best decision-maker for that community.

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for strategy or impact. Even when we’ve been in shared spaces, we have not been able to amplify our voice. Our voice may have been heard, but was it truly listened to? A lot of times it hasn’t.

This work is so important because Arizona has such rich cultures of Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, multiracial and other non-white populations. There is no reason why there shouldn’t be an opportunity to make sure that all of those voices are amplified.

My hope is for people to embrace the discomfort of the unknown in their hearts and minds and dive into curiosities of Black history, heritage and culture, which is a part of the story that is American history.

Here’s how to honor the cultural contributions of Black people: 

• Do you apply any of your curiosities to watch movies and visit places you generally don't? Those outside of your community?
• Go to places and spaces where we celebrate Black/African American culture.
• Create an experience specifically at a museum, a theater, at a popup space, where there are people who do not have the same cultural identity as you.
• Promote emerging and talented Black leaders. Many possess the merit and credentials that make them highly qualified.
• Some strategic things could be acknowledging your own biases for how you show up, interact (even unintentional) or avoid interactions with Black Arizonans. Do you speak up about injustices you see, hear or experience?
• Try to push your curiosities so you have a broader opportunity to honor and celebrate people in a way that doesn't feel like you're doing it just to support a transaction but you’re doing it to support the human being and growth of people who should have the same opportunities and advantages everybody in the United States of America.

If we all educate and acknowledge Black history all 12 months of the year, when the official Black History Month comes, it’s about highlighting new accomplishments, uplifting new voices and addressing new history. True celebration is not transactional; it’s transformational.

Arizona history as our voice is American history, a journey toward achieving fairness. It’s about honoring the balance of all the people who embody the richness of the Grand Canyon State.

Editor’s note: Teniqua Broughton is CEO of Phoenix-based VerveSimone Consulting. She is the author of “My Leader, My Self: Self-Awareness for Harnessing Super Powers in Yourself and Others.” Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.