Although it is not always great to dwell in the past, it is important to understand it; not only have a successful present, but a thriving future as well. Black is Beautiful enlightens how the history of slavery, the N-word, and Colorism has a heavy impact on black culture, and how the effects are still prominent today. We, as a group, should acknowledge the roots of our rich heritage from the harsh days of slavery, to the Emancipation Proclamation; the Harlem Renaissance; and the Civil Rights Movement to continue preserving the uniqueness of the black community. I wrote this essay while attending my first year of graduate school at National-Louis University, Chicago. I decided to publish it in honor of Black History Month. I believe Black History Month should not only celebrate and recognize the triumphant past of Black Americans, but the present and future that it will build from it. Being black is wonderful. We blacks are so expressive. Rhythm and soul can be seen and felt in all aspects of our lives. Countless Black Americans have significantly impacted American history and culture including noble leaders, inventors, musicians, artists and athletes. Unfortunately, a majority of blacks endure hardships while belonging to this particular culture. Black identity has been challenged and persecuted severely throughout history, and ridicule follows it indefinitely. We tend to degrade and discriminate against ourselves and our people; and this may be the cruelest legacy of slavery. Being raised in a Black American household, I went through a variety of experiences including being discriminated against other blacks. That is one area that I feel I can do something about “by becoming more active on supporting the improvement of the black community." Allow me to focus on two ways blacks are discriminating against themselves: the use of the N-word in music and conversation; and the battle of skin tones. These two prolonging issues are shattered pieces left by slavery and generations of oppression. Although blacks have suffered an agonizing history in America, the truth about slavery and its aftermath has been greatly justified by institutions, including the government. Covering up the actual truth about slavery has become normalized in the education system so that a majority of blacks tend to believe it, because they are compelled to learn what is given to them without recognizing fabricated information. It is almost as if we are puppets, and a puppeteer is manipulating our knowledge for what they think is best for us to know. We are not fully aware of how our African American history has shaped our present. Slavery happened a long time ago. "I ain't gonna feel guilty about something I didn't do. I wasn't a slave..so what? These are voices of people who may argue that slavery is in the past, and therefore it has no influence on society today. A few people also claim that we cannot blame slavery for our behavior and beliefs that are occurring presently. It is understandable that some individuals may not want to be reminded of their past and that we are no longer living in such a time period. However, one must fully understand their past to have a successful present and future. On the other hand, discussing the topic of racial discrimination and slavery often brings a rush of emotions. Opinions are thrown out without thinking. Facts get put to the side. Blacks and whites become defensive. The truth comes out, but is not seen. Not learning from past issues can lead to more unpleasant problems. Once healing and awareness has occurred, the past can remain the past. Speaking on this subject requires ample researching and observation. Numerous historians, researchers, psychologists, and educators have put great effort in recognizing the effects of slavery in the Black community. While exploring this subject matter, I realized how Black Americans today, including myself are the end result of slavery. The mentality of blacks since slavery has been passed down for many generations, and it has been embedded subtly deep into our minds, determining the way we view the world, our own people, and ourselves. While conducting research, I discovered an interesting term; post traumatic slave syndrome, a theory that was advanced by Dr. Joy Degruy Leary. Dr. Leary is an inspirational and renowned educator, author, and researcher focusing on the struggling and healing of black culture. The theory points out "centuries of slavery followed by systematic racism and oppression have resulted in multigenerational adaptive behaviors, many of which have been positive and others that are destructive (Leary).  In other words, even though 1865 was the year of freedom for Black Americans, it did not quite end the distress, discrimination, and brainwashing of blacks. We did not fully receive our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. The professor also explains that since the trauma of American slavery sustains in modern times, it is