Being that it is Black History month I found it prudent that in the midst of the shade, foolery, and other entertainment foolishness that I carved out a little time to educate my captive audience. I’ve decided to team up with @Anti_Intellect of the Anti Intellect Blog to bring to you guys a few nuggets of Black History. ~ Funky Dineva

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the Black past and present. Unfortunately, many of the people we celebrate during Black History Month tend to be people from the past. We can get bogged down in the 19th and 20th century–never spotlighting those making Black history in the 21st century. If we want to make sure that Black History Month remains relevant, particularly to younger people, it is important that we also spotlight people from the present.

Kye Allums is someone who embodies what it means to be a 21st century Black history maker. As a transgender activist, he challenges our notions of what it means to be a Black person–demanding that we overcome our taboos and misconceptions.

Kye Allums was born in 1989. He first made news when, in 2010, as a George Washington University Division I basketball player, he came out as transgender man. Although he was born female, he identifies as a man. His coach and teammates at George Washington were supportive, and he continued to play on the basketball team. His courage led to the NCAA reevaluating its policies as they pertain to gender identity.

Since graduating from college, he has continued to use his voice to raise awareness of transgender issues, as well as other issues relating to the Black LGBT community. He follows in the footsteps of Black transgender activists like Marsha P. Johnson, Laverne Cox, and Janet Mock. Through his “Project I Am Enough” campaign, he encourages others to, “Believe in themselves and love who they are.”

In my opinion, he is to be commended for helping open the door for other transgender people and athletes. He is a reminder to us all to live our own truth. This is what it means to be a history maker!

To learn more about Kye Allums you can visit his Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kye-Allums/416153111756869, his Website: http://www.imenough.org/, or his Twitter: @AllKye.

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