February is Black History Month, with plays, programs and famous songs sung like “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

As black Americans, we are free to do wonderful things to make contributions to our community and our world.

There is the wonderful National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, with exhibits that take you through time from slavery to the present. Everyone should visit this museum to learn and appreciate history.

Seniors, please continue to help the youths by telling them about history. Tell them in a way that they will understand that today is a different era and, hopefully, a better world for all. They can start businesses and work in any field they desire after attending college.

I believe if youths are told the correct way about what seniors had to endure back in the day, they will learn to appreciate what is before them today, like simply going to Hardee’s and sitting to have a meal, being able to rest overnight at a hotel and being able to pass the test and work at the post office.

In the past, I and so many others had to venture to New York to get a wonderful job and be valued as a good employee. But my heart was always with home.

As black Americans, we are good people and deserve — and shall get — respect. Some people could do better and will simply by being given a chance, a pep talk, a loan, having a vision. We must involve ourselves in positive organizations. We must take a stand for our children. Education is the only way out, even in today’s era.

History is still being made. A beautiful young black woman is being married in May to a prince in England. Black millennials are head of many global companies today. Most of our black men are responsible, trying and doing the right thing by their families and the community. Everyone needs to be encouraged at times and uplifted.

Black Americans, keep the old way alive by telling your stories. It will help educate the young ones today so that they will be proud and appreciative of their heritage and culture.

ANN GARNETT MILLER

Clarksville