Loyle Ivy King: Thinking of Black History Month, I take a moment to honor all the creatives and artists who came before me and who came before this cast.
Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to freely create this art and tell our stories in this way. His second thing I often think about is that even though the term black history itself suggests something in the past tense, as it also takes into account what is still happening in the present. I feel Even though what we’re talking about on this show saying we’re making history with this network, we exist and the show is in the future and it keeps happening It exists because it exists. It’s not compressed yesterday. … it is today, it is tomorrow, it is in the next few months. One of the things I love to think about is that our cast, our viewers, all of us, have the opportunity to contribute to what will someday become black history if we continue to excel. am.
Sylvester Powell: Of course, a big part of it is knowing about black celebrations and history. , I really like to do research and research and find out more about where I came from and where I am today and the people who were involved in making me have freedom…there is today.
Mitchell Edwards: To me, I think the importance of black history speaks to the resilience of our people. And how much we have overcome and how much we have pushed. And I think it will continue to build. I hope the problem goes away, but the energy that pushes through. Because no matter what you do, whether you’re overcoming oppression or overcoming the process, you’re going to encounter adversity no matter what. I hope you can have that history and know that our people have overcome not only social problems but also personal problems.
I think it’s exciting in that sense. And I think 2023 should continue to represent that kind of inspiration. With that in mind, I think we can think about how far we can go with our time here on Earth. I think you can take that as inspiration to keep building instead of just feeling like you’re losing the battle.
Jeffrey Maya: I was a guest at the recent premiere 1619 Project, and personally, I grew up in a household where my mom always told me who I was and where I came from as a black woman in America. Our bloodline is black diaspora. It’s so vast, and there’s so much I still don’t know about myself that I want to know, learn, and connect with.
And then we go to the premiere about the history and foundations of slavery — hard stuff in concept and truth, and for the series it’s part of our history — it’s part of our history, it’s necessary, it’s We people need to be educated as to who we are outside of slavery and all this, but we were kings and queens, doctors and lawyers. … Black resilience cannot be overemphasized. The horrors of slavery and what it did to our people, and watching movies, videos and clips of racism and systemic racism and political injustice is black history for me. , I still see people dancing, getting married, having children, praising God and going to church. . Because it was all for us. it was for us. There are still mountains and valleys to climb, but let me be clear, I’m not ignorant about it, nor do I intend to remain ignorant. I am grateful to them for giving me a little more opportunity than I did. It’s about devoting my life to what I believe to be black history. That’s not to disrespect the months we celebrate. [laughs], but I celebrate 365. My blackness is going nowhere.
Kelly Jenrett: What black history means to me is that by standing on the shoulders of those who had to suffer in ways we didn’t, we can get what they couldn’t get. That’s why I always like to remember history, but I don’t have to go back that far. My grandmother picked cotton. So we understand that not only do we have a rich history of suffering, but we also have many victories and can stand on their shoulders. Make sure it’s an even bigger celebration. We have a long way to go, but I think we need to take some time to celebrate where we are. It’s time to look back on our lives. [laughs] And we happily celebrate where we are.
Netta Walker: To me, black history means family. I always equate it with stories and hear my grandparents talk about being freedom fighters. I only think about lineage. It’s so important because we’ve erased so much of it. I think we are actively making history in 2023. yes. Now, more than ever historically, I think we have a very positive view of what history looks like in terms of where we are now.The last 50 years have clearly been an uphill battle. But for the first time, at least in the United States, I was able to express myself in the media and tell my own real story as opposed to what people used to do. And for the first time in history, in this medium and in this capacity, we can truly tell these stories in our own hands. making history. That’s what I think, both today and in the past — it’s a legacy. [andthepast—it’slegacy
Corey Hardrict: Black History Month truly stands for excellence. From Martin Luther King to Rosa Parks, our historical figures were those who never said no and just did what was right for all of humanity. It was just about what was right. That’s what it means to me. We can look at our ancestors and all that they have done and apply that to the year 2023. We can try to imitate that success and make this world a better place.
Camille Hyde: For me, Black History Month is a time to look back as a group of people who have gone through so much, overcome so much, and have been able to truly continue to ensure our people, generation after generation. It’s about giving the next generation more opportunities than the previous generation. For me, it’s time to go back in time and learn more about our history.For example, my mother bought the book for me and Jeffrey. 1619 Project, and we were lucky enough to go to the screening. It was great to learn about our people and our history. Black History Month is obviously the shortest month of the year, but it’s 28 days where we can learn more about our history because there’s so much the American education system doesn’t teach us in schools. It’s like relying on family members to provide information and knowledge to their children. But I think it also has to do with what Black History Month means for the African American community. , it’s time to educate them about why we should be proud, what our ancestors did for us and generations ago, and how much they sacrificed. They made many sacrifices so that we could obtain So I think we’re learning about it, and I think we’re paying tribute to the generation that fought so hard for the opportunities we have today.