Dean Powery on Black History Month, Valentine's Day, and Love
In his latest column in the (Duke) Chronicle, Chapel Dean Luke Powery makes a connection between Black History Month and Valentine’s Day—both have to do with love.
“This is not a sentimental love focused on heart candies with sweet messages (wonderful as they are),” Dean Powery writes. “In the context of Black history, which is a human history, the love I am thinking of comes from those human beings who endured the fiery brutality of slavery because of the color of their skin — those who came through the blood of the slaughtered, weary years and silent tears. Theirs is a tireless love to live.”
“Roses or chocolates may be fine as gifts for Valentine’s Day this week, but a real gift you can give someone or yourself is to show through action that, ‘I want you to live,’” he concludes. “With all the specters of death in the world and in our city, to love may be the best gift you can give this year.”