Happy Black History Month!

Black History Month was established for good reasons, as the African-Americans of America were the only race to face slavery in America. The founders of America may have founded our nation but it was Africans and their descendants who founded and established “equality” for all in America. Too many Americans often take Black History Month for granted, especially those of color who benefited from the plight and struggle of Africans to be free and African-Americans who fought for equality in America that culminated in the 1964 Civil Rights Act. But even with that Act, there is still an ongoing battle to take people of color backwards being led by the GOP and even supported by a Supreme Court that has been overrun by their emissaries, no thanks to Sen. McConnel who refused to let President Obama replace Supreme Court justices whom Trump eventually appointed, expecting them to be his proxies, and they haven’t let him down yet. We can only vote and pray for our democracy.

Black History Month was established in February by Carter G. Woodson because many Black accomplishments took place in February. He was one of the founders of the Association for the Study of African-American History. As my MaDear once told me: “Us Black folks have to learn how to toot our own horn because no one will do it for us, except for the whites who are truly righteous people.” In fact, I can count the number of people on one hand who have come out publicly to support me—a former student, a former governor, and a fellow Democrat. But I understand the ugly politics and bigotry that have caused most to be afraid to speak up for me, but that’s OK, I appreciate it even more when you tell me personally anyway.

But God isn’t sleeping because our home, the Gladys “MaDear” Bennett House, was declared a National Historic Site on Feb. 7, 2019. It gets better because the Tennessee state legislature recently named the walkway over the expressway near our home for our MaDear, the “Gladys MaDear Bennett Memorial Walkway.” This walkway and signs are the first overpass you see entering Memphis after crossing the Mississippi River into Memphis from Arkansas and the last signage you see leaving Tennessee. Our family will be unveiling these signs later this year once the state finish repairing the walkway and putting up the signs. I know my critics will try to twist and even make me look bad for sharing my MaDear’s story but I’m sure the silent majority can appreciate me sharing this truth about my MaDear.

Now readers know where I got my activism from—my MaDear who was a missionary and activist in our community who started the first school for Blacks to learn a trade in Memphis after leaving the cotton fields. I have been trying to help the people of the CNMI for over two decades, only to be met with opposition of bigots and political assassins that only served to prevent progress in the CNMI. Black folks had to be 10 times better and now America is full of African-American leaders even in the White House but that is not the same picture in the CNMI because if you are not a local—you know the rest, which is the sad truth that needs to change. Contrary to what some leaders are saying behind my back, I’m not the enemy and I’m here to help the local people. Heck, all three of our daughters have even contributed to the CNMI, setting-records at the highest level in the Micronesia Games and in beauty pageants at the state, national, and international beauty pageant levels.

It may be called Black History Month because it was Blacks fighting the battles against racism and bigotry in America but the battles were for all people of color, including the Chamorro and Carolinian people, just as Dr. King said in his “I Have a Dream” speech. So, enjoy Black History Month and celebrate the true founders of “equality in America”! I love you unconditionally CNMI and have a Happy Black History Month.

Ambrose M. Bennett

Kagman III, Saipan

‘It may be called Black History Month because it was Blacks fighting the battles against racism and bigotry in America but the battles were for all people of color, including the Chamorro and Carolinian people.’

Letter to the Editor