I remember when I found out the running joke that this smoke alarm beeping was supposedly a dead giveaway for Black households, cos as you can imagine smoke alarms as far as I’m concerned not a very African thing- but things I hear are changing (so that’s good). Anyways, I grew up in Cameroon and so I have always felt very culturally West African. Of course I’ve also spent 30+ years in New York so I feel that as well, but the truth is - there are very distinct experiences (culture/history) compared to being the direct descendant of slaves. There is so much I had to learn and unlearn. I learned more in the French/British colonial school system in Cameroon, about America as Pearl Harbor heroes, about Napoleon, the French Revolution, than I ever did about Martin, Malcolm, Rosa, much less the Tuskegee airmen and so much more. So now, books are being banned, classes canceled, but history can’t be deleted. Remember what this month is about- if you’re an African immigrant or child of African immigrants- learn more about those who were taken. And if you’re the child of descendants, take the opportunity to learn more about those who stayed, colonialism- that too is your history and legacy. I can’t worry about how the world sees us- but I hope we can see each other better because for too long we’ve believed what they’ve told us about each other… Now let me go get some batteries. Because Black households face a disproportionately higher risk of fire-related injuries and deaths, often nearly twice the national average - so it’s a nice giggle but it’s actually no laughing matter. Stay safe, stay informed. BlackHistoryMonth Blackhistory 🌍