Toni Kauffman, a member of the Board of Directors, has recently taken on the role of President of the Martha’s Vineyard Chapter of the NAACP. Here she reflects on Black History Month.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Toni M. Kauffman
I struggled with the beginning of this composition. At first, I thought to herald dates and names and significant occurrences explaining Black History Month. As an educator and someone who values history, initially I felt a need to share such historical facts. I reconsidered, though, knowing that richer benefits would come to those who pursued their own individual research.
No study of history would convey what Black History Month means to me. It is ironic that, because of one’s race or culture, one is expected to be able to speak on behalf of everyone in the group. I cannot. I can only speak for myself, with empathy and compassion for those who have experienced or are experiencing what I have not.
It never ceases to amaze me that we are having the same conversations in the 21st century that so many generations before us had. The struggle for civil rights in America has always been––and remains––a slow, painful, and often violent process. A week does not pass in our country without a disturbing, high-profile racial incident that causes us to search our souls for answers. Often sensationally newsworthy, these events raise our consciousness and awareness of inequality––for a moment in time. Incidents of racial bigotry, in the workplace or public arena, enrage us and become fodder for the comment section of the newspaper or social media. Most often as time passes there are only whispers of resistance and then––silence––and life goes on until the next deplorable, highly publicized occurrence.
In my first month as the newly elected President of the NAACP Martha’s Vineyard Branch, several island residents struggling with employment racism have reached out in hopes of advocacy. Yes, here, on Martha’s Vineyard! Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The Vineyard is not exempt from the harsh realities of racism. There is much work to be done in our community. I am honored and humbled to be among the leaders of this Branch, advocating for those desperate for fair and equal treatment in all aspects of their lives.
As many before me have said, Black history is the story of our nation. The African American story is very rich on the Vineyard. The African American Heritage Trail has a large representation of historical sites honoring many individuals who come from a variety of stages of Black History, from slavery to activism and diverse cultural pursuits. That history includes many who have been publicly recognized and even more who have not. During February, we honor those who have contributed to, or were sacrificed for, that history.
We honor them all.