Every year when February rolls around, I think of stories—the stories of my family, their hardships, their successes, and even those silly stories shared with me repeatedly as a child. These experiences are woven into the fabric of my life, capturing both joyful and challenging moments. They lie at the heart of my family. I often reflect on my own story and the trials I’ve faced, hoping my children never have to endure the same struggles. But perhaps they can learn from how I navigated those challenges and find hope even in moments of despair. A story is a gift; it connects us to our past while lighting the way to our future.
In my own journey, I think about my father, whom I never met as he passed away two months before I was born. His story is all I have of him. My mom would describe his deep, strong voice that could command a room, how he loved his children fiercely but was a strict father, and about his childhood in Jamaica, where he worked hard selling chickens to earn money for his education. These stories offered me glimpses of who my father was.
During difficult moments, it is these stories of my father that resonate most deeply with me. When I speak to hundreds of people and feel the weight of inadequacy and fear, I remember my father’s strong voice and how he commanded a room, and I feel inspired to push through. When I struggled in college and contemplated giving up, I recalled my father’s sacrifices for an education, which renewed my sense of purpose. It is through the stories of him and others like him that I find the inspiration to keep moving forward. These connections not only honor my father but also guide me in becoming the person I aspire to be, reminding me that I carry his legacy with me.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Present
This connection to the power of our stories is why Carter G. Woodson is one of my heroes. His commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of Black Americans has created an inspirational legacy. As a pioneering historian and educator, Woodson understood the power of knowing our roots. He famously said, “The man who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to where he is going.” His words emphasize the lasting importance of honoring our history.
Born to formerly enslaved parents in 1875 in Virginia, Carter G. Woodson faced significant obstacles in his pursuit of education. Despite the challenges of poverty and ongoing racism, he persevered, eventually earning a high school diploma at age 22. He later earned a Ph.D. from Harvard, becoming one of the first Black individuals to do so. It was during this pursuit of education that Woodson realized the stories of African Americans and their contributions were either ignored or portrayed negatively, often depicting them as less than other Americans. This motivated him to share the untold stories of those who paved the way before him.
Woodson, often called the “father of Black history,” dedicated his life to uncovering stories that had long been ignored. He realized that a people's identity is deeply tied to their history. In a time when it was said that “the Negro had no history,” many believed that Black people had no past worth remembering. As a result, history books omitted the powerful stories and contributions of Black individuals. Black people were defined solely by their struggles, overlooking the wealth of their achievements and the depth of their experiences. This lack of recognition not only shaped how Black people viewed their past but also influenced their sense of self and future potential.
To confront this erasure of history, Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926, which later became Black History Month. His tireless efforts were driven by a profound desire to instill pride and knowledge in Black youth believing they needed to hear the stories of their ancestors—stories filled with faith, strength, and the spirit of survival. Knowing their history was not just about learning; it was a vital step toward empowerment and recognition of their true worth and potential.
The Strength of Our Ancestors’ Stories
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we cherish pioneer stories and, like Woodson, recognize the importance of remembering our roots. These stories of faith, perseverance, and sacrifice inspire us to overcome challenges and instill hope for the future. The pioneer’s trek across the plains, marked by hardship and unwavering faith, guide us through our struggles and help us see light at the end of the tunnel. In this light, President Russell M. Nelson’s belief that we are all connected to our ancestors through love, faith, and covenants. Knowing their stories strengthens our own faith and helps us understand our place in the eternal plan becomes profoundly significant. Understanding our rich heritage and the faith of those who came before us strengthens our own identity and purpose. It emphasizes that we are all children of God, deserving of respect and recognition.
Just as Woodson recognized the importance of storytelling, we too can honor the stories of those who came before us. These accounts aren’t just relics of the past; they are live, breathing lessons that enrich our lives today.
President Russell M. Nelson also beautifully expressed, “Your ancestors are cheering you on. They want you to succeed. They want you to know who you are and what you can become."
This sentiment resonates deeply with me during Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich stories and contributions of Black Americans. Carter G. Woodson desired for these stories to live on, knowing that understanding our past is essential to shaping our future. By remembering these stories, we ensure they continue to inspire and guide us, highlighting the resilience and determination that pave the way for future generations.
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