Black History Month feels different this year. And we can't let victimhood get in the way

Another Black History Month is already upon us now and, no matter your thoughts on this symbolism, something feels different these days.

Pastor Corey Brooks, known as the "Rooftop Pastor," is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the CEO of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), the church's local mission. He gained national attention for his 94-day and 343-day rooftop vigils to transform the notorious "O-Block," once known as Chicago's most dangerous block, into #OpportunityBlock. Learn more at ProjectHOOD.org.

Another Black History Month is upon us now and, no matter your thoughts on this symbolism, something feels different these days. The hold that victimhood had on us for so long seems to be weakening, and I pray that is true. That is why I wanted to share a story with you that I heard as a child that shows the trueness of our people’s spirit and what our victim mentality robbed us of.It was only a few years after the end of the Civil War in 1870 that three men on their way home from church decided to board a trolley in Louisville, Kentucky. They paid their fare and took their seats. If they had been White, the trolley would have continued onto its next stop without incident. But Robert Fox, an elderly mortician, and his brother and business partner, Samuel, along with their employee, Horace Pearce, were black.A White passenger, John Russell, ordered them off the trolley and was backed up by the white driver.However, Robert replied that they had paid the same fare and had the right to ride.