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Here we are a little past the middle of the month of February, and I was just wondering to myself how have those of us who truly celebrate Black History month faired since the last one? Have you gained a greater insight into what it means to be black in America, or are you still giddy over a president that looks more like you? Is your economic and political standing any better? These are typically considered rhetorical questions, but I want to take a moment to reflect.

I've done some research and found some startling facts. Since the time Pres. Obama announced his intentions to run for President in January 2007, he has given over 400 speeches including that historic State of the Union speech made last month. In all those speeches the term African American, Black American or even American Negro has not been used. That's rather strange for somebody like me, living in Mississippi. That's also strange for someone who has a choice to decide which group he identifies with most. His metaphor "that we are all riding in one ship" is often used for his approach when dealing with the minority communities at large. Well, that's all fine, but historically speaking, some came on ships as passengers and others came on ships as cargo. So here's the question, do you feel like you're on the same ship?

Next, currently 92.7 percent of African Americans make below the median national annual income of a little over $55,000 a year. Although unemployment nationwide is near 10%, the unemployment among African Americans nation-wide is 30% and among Black males nearly 45%. You can't say that that many folks don't want to work when you only have to look at the plant closures here in this community to realize we have a serious problem. I don't hear anyone from a "Tea Party" talking about this. So, here's the question: are you better off this Black History month than you were last time you celebrated it?

African Americans nationwide are least able to afford decent health care. We have a higher percentage of obesity, diabetes, stroke and cardiac arrest than any other group in the nation. African Americans have now just ventured into an area that traditionally was taboo for them and that is mental health. To add fuel to the fire, we are only 13 percent of the nation's population, but makeup nearly 40 percent of all armed services combined. So, the question is do you feel better this year than you did this time last year?

Now, I can go on, but I believe you get the point I'm driving here. With some of the issues that I mentioned if the president looked more like the past 43 Presidents, would you think African American leaders would be camping out at the White house gates right now? And, because of who he is the African American Community should continue to hold him accountable. But make no mistake about his proposed budget and some of his executive orders he has signed, many issues of the African American community are being addressed.

So, the question is this: are you going to complain about where you are -- we got plenty of folks doing that -- or are you going to keep forging ahead forcing issues while slowly making a difference and a change? Personally I think Black History month is all about reflection on one of the most unique legacies known to mankind and taking that positive projection to another level. So, the question is no matter what, are you going to just dwell (stay stagnate) or excel? Truthfully, that is the questions for all of us. Happy Black History Month.