the institutions are still lacking in any analysis worth taking seriously in regards to the ongoing issues of political oppression, economic exploitation, and social degradation that black people are faced with (In the final analysis, we may find EDAI is anti-black on its face and at the core.  What it could/could not be depends on the activities of you and me and whether or not we are prepared to struggle for our perspective to be recognized).  

The disproportionate degree to which black people are affected by this antagonism is popularly reduced to being the effects of discrimination within the populace.  However, I have found a more accurate word than discriminate to relate the numerical disparities to our experience as Africans – that word is target.  This system doesn’t discriminate, contrary to popular belief.  Everyone can get it, but Africans and other global south people are targeted by this systemic, structural predatory violence.  

February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. But for BUILD, a group of Black state employees in Washington, the celebration does not end there.
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The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts”. It celebrates the diverse and influential contributions of Black Americans to various forms of artistic and cultural expression, such as music, literature, visual arts, dance, and more. It also recognizes how Black artists have used their crafts to resist oppression, speak truth to power, and inspire a nation. You can learn more about this theme and the events and resources related to it from the Smithsonian Institution and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

​Although Black History is all of our history, Black History Month has historically been a time when Blacks and African Americans take time out to learn and reflect on what our ancestors fought for in this country, since so much of that significant history was and continues to be left out of American history. But it has also been a time of rejoicing, celebrating, honoring, and thanking those same ancestors for the central role they played in U.S. history, and more importantly, for giving us hope.​​ Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in 1926. It is said that the first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in February of 1970. Then, six years later in 1976, 50 years from the first celebration of Negro History Week, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

So why is this time that we have specifically set aside still so important?  Well, it is important because it is part of the Untold Story. Even as a Black kid growing up in the deep South, my formal primary and secondary education did not afford me the privilege of learning about the contributions of Black Americans, with the exception of a few notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I learned the most about Black History through my parents and church. ​

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service encourages Americans to volunteer to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Through service and volunteerism, we have the power to bring people together, help others stand together against hate, build bridges, heal divides, and create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dreams.

​August 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. His call for Americans to unite in pursuit of a shared vision of freedom and justice continues to inspire us six decades later to come together in service to ensure every individual is valued, respected and treated with dignity and compassion. Service to others cuts through forces that try to divide us. It gives communities across the nation a way to build bridges, break down barriers and reveal our common humanity.
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Join us this MLK Day to build a Beloved Community through unity, service and transformation. Volunteer to create lasting change that will benefit our communities for years.

Pledge to make a difference this MLK Day
​Join us for a day of service. Find a complete list of upcoming MLK Day service projects on the Washington Service Corps website. The following events in Vancouver, Olympia, Puyallup and Fircrest are a small sample of volunteer opportunities available.