“I am standing puzzled, unable to decide whether the veil is really being lifted, or lowered more firmly in place; whether I am witnessing a revelation or a more efficient blinding.”
What will you be doing during the Black History Month?
2022 marks the 70th anniversary of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. A novel “judged the most distinguished single work published in the last 20 years by a book week poll of 200 prominent authors, critics, and editors in 1972. Mr. Ellison’s quote could easily be applied for today.
So, what will you be doing during Black History Month?
We are all busy. Life can truly get in the way. Will we all plan to miss witnessing a revelation?
Rotarian Arthur Williams initiated a conversation that has made a lasting impression on me. We have talked at the Songbird Cafe, Panera, his home, and my home. We both went to Northwestern- Arthur received his PhD and I received my Masters in Management (MBA). He grew up on the west side of Chicago, I grew up in the northern suburbs. I went to New Trier, and Arthur taught at our rival school, Evanston. Arthur retired as Principal of Huron High School. You might rightfully wonder-what could we possibly have in common?
Well, we started a conversation that has become never ending- a conversation of experiences, frustrations, learnings, sorrows (my son, Cam, and Arthur’s younger brother) and smiles and laughters.
Did you know?
The past Superintendent of the Ann Arbor Schools, Rotarian Scott Westerman, asked Huron High School Principal, Arthur, to join our Rotary Club of Ann Arbor? Scott at the time was retired, and Arthur knew of him. Scott felt Arthur would make a great Rotarian, so asked Arthur to come to his (Scott’s) home for dinner. They got to know each other. And sooner, rather than later–that is how Arthur joined Rotary.
Do we do that anymore? Seek out community leaders, get to know them away from meetings (like coffee shops, restaurants, homes), and explain why they could help us out as a Rotarian. We talk about diversity, equity and inclusion- are we living it? We want more younger members, more diversity, more inclusion, more community leaders. So what are we actually doing, and are we happy with the results?
Again, what are we all doing for Black History Month in February? Can we lift our veil so we become intentional on witnessing a revelation, rather than a more efficient blinding.
The Ypsilanti Rotary Club is lifting the veil. They are encouraging our communities to learn about Black nonprofits, and their support for scholarships. Maybe if we are all engaged during Black History Month, we can all witness our own revelation with self-awareness.
