We celebrate contributions of Dr. Charles Drew, blood plasma founder and Garrett Morgan, creator of automatic traffic lights; whose inventions helped revolutionize health and transportation industry.

We celebrate Nobel Peace Prizes of Ralph J. Bunche and Martin Luther King; two amicable men dedicated to world peace.

We celebrate athletic prowess of Jesse Owens, racing across finish line at 1936 Olympics; Jackie Robinson, breaking baseball’s color barrier. And wizardry of Michael Jordan, showing world why he was named “the Greatest Athlete of 20th Century.” Similarly, we celebrate brilliance of Venus and Serena Williams, taking tennis to new heights, and beauty of Tiger Woods’ golf stroke; sturdy, on target, an exhibition of immense talent.

Lastly, we celebrate diversity of our hair; curly, natural, permed, straight, waved and weaved and beige, red, brown and blackness of our skin.

That is why we celebrate. To tell our history in our own words, as only African-Americans can do. In observing Black History Month, it is good to focus on actions and accomplishments of dignitaries past and present. However, attention should also focus on lesser known heroes and heroines. We know that were it not for Dr. King, opportunities for African-Americans would be virtually impossible. Similarly, without Harriet Tubman, slaves seeking refuge would not have found solace via Underground Railroad.

But what about those pioneers at local and state level? Those anonymous men and women who paved way, so that future generations could enjoy amenities entitled to all people? Their contributions should not be confined to musty, photo albums and faded newspaper clippings. They too were instrumental in establishing democracy of our modern history, and deserve to be enshrined in scripted walls of immortals. In retrospect, all African-Americans have made impressionable contributions big and small, to dazzling archives that personify Black History.

A freelance writer since 1989, Peggy Butler has written for various magazines and Internet publications including Impact Press, Africana.com., TimBook Tu, and The Black World Today. Moreover, Butler who lists collecting 60s memorabilia among her hobbies, writes news, features, sports and entertainment articles, as well as commentaries and humor pieces. Visit her website at: www.Psbwrite.com

Signing petitions won't make our world better. Neither will hanging flags or lighting candles (even though we continue to do so because we care). Though, if we really want to make a difference, we can start believing that God meant what He said.

Consider who might be on your throne. Is your opinion ultimate authority? How about your religion? Or, your preacher? Or, maybe a church committee? Even your mate? Your children? Friends?

God wants His throne back. It's really that simple. The Kingdom of God comes not with observation; not from memorizing every verse of scripture or from being perfect example either.

Created in God's image, He gets lonely, too. More than anything we could possibly offer God, He desires an intimate relationship with us. Do we get our daily walk from a book of dead laws or from a Living God who walks and talks with us? God will come down and dwell with us once He is welcomed.

While it is never God's will for people to hurt people, anger is of concern in that - as long as we place blame elsewhere, we miss ultimate truth that 'we did it to ourselves'.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Ch. 7:14

God wants to love us in ways we never dreamed. But, He can only do so once He has first place.

© 2001 by Joyce C. Lock http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.