It’s been said that February is both the shortest and the longest month.
It’s the shortest month for obvious reasons—it has only 28 days (29 in leap years).
But, to many, February feels like the longest month because it comes on the tail of an
already lengthy winter. For those, like me, who feel that winter is more to be endured
than enjoyed, the month can feel like an eternity, as we eagerly await those first warm
hints of spring.
But there is something I do like, a lot, about February. This month, we celebrate Black
History Month, highlighting the achievements, often against tremendous odds, of Black
Americans.
Each year in TheBurg, we include a lengthy section of stories about not only Black
history, but Black culture and events—all-local, all the time.
This year, I especially would like to point to our feature story on a hometown great, the
late Lenwood Sloan, who passed away in December, right around Christmastime. I’m
sure that many of our readers knew Lenwood, and, at TheBurg, we were honored to call
him a friend.
Personally, I met Lenwood when he worked briefly for the city of Harrisburg, back in
2013. I remember that day well. Lenwood asked me to participate in a focus group as
he sought ideas on how to improve the city’s arts and cultural offerings.
In subsequent years, I ran into Lenwood often. Occasionally, he popped into my office to
chat. Other times, I met him at one of his many projects around the city, as he worked
tirelessly to highlight the city’s African American heritage.
I suppose it’s a cliché to say that a person can never be replaced, but, with Lenwood,
this is profoundly true. His creativity, his charm and his hearty laugh will be missed, but
his spirit will endure for generations through his work, by the legacy he’s left for us in
Harrisburg.
And, with that, I welcome readers to our February issue. We hope you enjoy all our
content, whether that’s history, culture, food or community features. And, for at least one
more month, stay warm—spring can’t be far behind.
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
