According to Wikipedia, "Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, from January 2, 1970 – February 28, 1970.
"Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial."
This year, Black History month is being celebrated during one of the most distressing, racially divided times in US history. While Black History month's purpose is to commemorate people of color, some believe that it is itself a form of racism, in that Black history is thus set apart from American history.
Award winning author Cheryl Williams believes that life isn't always black and white, but is instead comprised of many shades of gray. In her latest book, 'A Collection of Poems, A Journey Through Life', she presents this idea in a piece entitled "Shades of Gray":
Life isn't always black and white
Though some see it that way
Some eyes are blind and can't define
The many shades of gray
Each one unique in its own way
And it's designed for you
Be proud and never be afraid
To live your shade of gray
Familiar colors are embraced
While unfamiliar shunned
Accentuate your shade of gray
And live your life your way
A vision-impaired colored world
May minimize your worth
But never, ever change your way
Live your shade of gray
“As we celebrate Black history month, and every month of the year, may we all be reminded that unity can only be achieved when we embrace our differences, and respect the differences in others,” Williams stated. “When we see each other for who we truly are deep inside. There is so much more to every person than what meets the eye. When we are willing to accept one another for who and what we are, then the world will know peace, love and unity. May we be willing to live our shade of gray and respect the many who are truly living theirs.”
Cheryl has posted an online video commentary on the piece on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_J9ftsg04c.
More is available at Williams' website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.
Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.
Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.
Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.
Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.
With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.
Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.
About Cheryl Williams:
Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.
Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.
As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.
She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.
Contact:
Cheryl Williams
cherylw27@aol.com
https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams
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