The month of February we get to celebrate love with Valentine’s Day and Black History all month. We are celebrating Loveuary- as we celebrate love and Black History Month. In this episode 86 of Oasis of Hope Podcast, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti discuss the contributions of African Americans to the robust culture we have today.
Our nation has been blessed with the notable contributions of all people to this great nation – United States of America. We have reiterated many times, each history of every people, kindred and tongues is American History. As we celebrate Black History, Asian History, Hispanic History, Native American History, Jewish History and many more histories, we are celebrating American History. As we celebrate Black History this month, we are highlighting some of the notable inventions that are now part of our culture and lifestyle. One major standout in celebrating Black History this month is family values. Adding this critical aspect is important as we celebrate family values.
Albert Brown and Marie Van Brittan Brown- a husband-and-wife team, invented the home security system in 1966. They were granted patent for their invention of closed circuit TV security system in 1969. This invention formed the foundation of video monitoring that included the remote door locks, push button alarm triggers and two way voice communication. Their invention also led to CCTV surveillance in public areas. In 2016, it was reported that over 100 million concealed closed-circuit cameras are operating world-wide. We have the Browns to thank for every home security system we have today. Another genius is Benjamin Banneker who invented the first functioning wooden clock in 1753. The clock kept accurate time and struck every hour. We have Banneker to thank for those wooden clocks we see all around us today.
Setting a gold standard for family values are Mr. and Mrs. Cleovis and Arwilda Whiteside- African American couple that were married for 84 years old. Mr. Cleovis Whiteside passed on to heaven last year, 2023 at age 102 years old with Mrs. Arwilda Whiteside at 98 years old at the time of his passing. According to the American Community Survey (ACS), in 2018, stated in their research that only 8% of married couple reach the 50-year mark in their marriage. In 2022, ACS updated that number to 7.7% and stated that only 2% of marriages reach the 60-year mark. The Whitesides are in that rare 2%- married for 84 years! The Whitesides attribute their faith to the longevity of their marriage and lives. The Whitesides were recognized by the Arkansas Family Council in 2019 and 2022.
The power of faith in the life of a believer in Christ cannot be underestimated. Faith is an active living fellowship, power and fire with the Almighty God- the Creator of the universe. What a blessing God bestows on every believer in Christ! “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” --- Revelations 7:9