Century Park Blog

My name is Serah Njoroge and I was born in Kenya. I made Cleveland, TN my second home when I moved here to attend Lee University. February is a special month to me because my mom and I share the same birthday this month, but it’s also Black History Month. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the journey that black people have been through and celebrate the victories that we have been granted by those who were here before us. These were men and women who decided to fight for the rights of black people, against all odds, while some even died for this cause. Therefore, I do not take for granted the fight for justice and the sacrifices that were made so that I can be free. The journey was hard and long but it was worth it. I can confidently say that black people are resilient.

This month is an opportunity to celebrate where we are now and look forward to the things we want to achieve. We are living out Martin Luther King’s dream of inclusion, equality, and unity; that is something to celebrate. I'm grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to live in Africa and the U.S.A. I have grown and learned so much from the different experiences that I have had. This month is a great opportunity to teach others through stories involving black people in American History and about African heritage. There are so many stories that we have not yet heard. One of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou, has a quote that is so true for all of us, "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike." 2020 opened our eyes to the existence of racial tension and conflict, but we also got the opportunity to come to the table of ongoing reconciliation through conversation.

My parents taught me that loving and respecting others regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, or profession, is the best way to live. We need each other on this journey of life. We all have so much to offer, our own unique contribution to the world; let’s meet each other with open hearts and minds, listen to each other’s stories, and learn from each other. As a Christian, there is no room for prejudice; the second greatest command is to love my neighbor as I love myself (Matthew 22:39). Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, educate, and look to the future with great expectations.