There is an African proverb “Ubuntu” says, “I am because we are, and we are because I am.”
Please allow us to remind everyone that the precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926, when the second week of February was announced to be “Negro History Week.” It was President Gerald Ford who in 1976 officially recognized the month of February as “Black History Month.” President Ford asked all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” We join in the celebration of honoring and recognizing the achievements and contributions by African Americans to the history of the United States, despite the country’s history of blatant, intentional racism.
The theme of the 2021 Black History Month is: “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” We are here not only in celebrating African American achievements, but also in support of the entire African American community. Because unfortunately every study conducted in the problem gambling area, has shown that the African American community has exhibited a higher rate of developing a problem gambling than their white counterpart. Although all communities are prone to develop not just gambling addictions, but all sorts of addictions. It is specifically in the problem gambling area that the African American community has a propensity to exhibit double the rate of disordered gambling compared to whites. Many families suffer in silence with this very treatable illness. No human exists alone, not even in illness. We are here in support of our fellow human beings; to provide treatment when needed and give the message that there is hope of recovery and living a healthy lifestyle. So, in the spirit of Ubuntu, we are here because of you, and therefore are in support of you. And our commitment to our mission, goes beyond the end of Black History Month.
Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 800-GAMBLER today and LET’S START A CONVERSATION!