Rep. Floyd Griffin: What Black History Month Teaches Us

By State Representative Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville)

(385 words)

Black history is not only a story of struggle; it is a story of service, strength and steady leadership in the face of uncertainty.

From our churches and schools to our military units and neighborhoods, Black leaders have long understood that progress does not come from noise or shortcuts. It comes from showing up, standing firm and doing the work-even when recognition is limited and the challenges are great.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." That simple truth runs through Black history. Time and again, leaders served communities that depended on them, often without power, protection or applause because service was not optional; it was necessary.

Our history teaches us that leadership is not defined by title, but by responsibility. Black leaders were often called upon to solve problems they did not create, yet they did so anyway. They built institutions, protected families, educated children and defended this nation, even when the nation did not always defend them.

My years in uniform taught me that leadership is measured not by rank, but by responsibility to the people you serve.

That lesson reflects a broader legacy. Black history also teaches us about strength-not the kind that seeks attention, but the kind that endures. Strength rooted in faith, discipline and character. Strength that remains calm in difficult moments and focused when others are distracted.

As civil rights leader John Lewis once said, "Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." But even that "good trouble" was grounded in preparation, moral clarity and purpose, not chaos. It was strength guided by principle.

Perhaps most importantly, Black history teaches us the value of steady leadership. Progress was never achieved overnight. It came through patience, perseverance and leaders who understood that lasting change requires consistency, not confusion.

Those lessons remain just as relevant today.

As we reflect during Black History Month, let us honor those who came before us not only with words, but with action. Let us recommit ourselves to service, to strength of character and to steady leadership in our homes, our churches, our communities and our public life.

That is how we honor Black history-not remembering it once a year, but by living its lessons every day.

Representative Floyd Griffin represents the citizens of District 149, which includes portions of Baldwin, Bibb and Jones counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Special Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

###