Black History Month allows us to devote the month of February to understanding, appreciating, and learning about the history and culture of Black individuals–a history and culture which has contributed to American society for generations, since prior to the official founding of the country all the way to present-day.
Black history is our history—it is the foundation of our democracy and our culture. In our American school systems, Black histories are far too often minimized, masked, or even completely erased. In my Communication Among Cultures course, we have discussed the ideas of national histories — histories of the nation’s great events and figures. In particular, United States history notoriously excludes occurrences that may reflect poorly on the nation’s character and instead chooses to cater to the idea of white nationalism. Through this idea of a “grand narrative,” much of the true histories are left out and/or altered to fit a certain, rose-colored agenda that not only ignores the systemic racism built in our country, but also leaves out the accomplishments of people of color. This agenda distances our country from its brutalities and mistreatments of Black people and also creates false illusions of the Civil Rights Movement—painting it as a far, isolated phenomenon. In our effort to listen and learn more this month (and every month) about Black history, we need to acknowledge these faults in our education systems—faults that begin in the earliest and most formative years of our education. We must work to ensure that Black history is taught in schools accurately and purposefully.
The Black Lives Matter Movement has heightened the importance of listening to our Black friends, colleagues, and neighbors around us. The violent patterns of police brutality toward Black individuals are rooted in a racist system that has been stacked against Black people since the creation of the 13th amendment and beyond. We cannot ignore nor dismiss these patterns—it is significant that we recognize the historical acts of racism against Black communities that have been present for hundreds of years, as they are embedded in our present-day societal systems which further enable them to reoccur. Being open-minded and listening to their experiences works to lay the groundwork for change. It is imperative that we utilize our privileges to stand with them in their fight for justice and equality.
This month, we must work to educate ourselves on Black history and utilize bountiful resources that outline the Black experience. Whether it is documentaries, films, books, podcasts, or even daily conversation, we must work to recognize our privilege, our wrongdoings, and our internalized racism to further our commitment to the equality of all individuals.
So, this month, let us celebrate the innumerable contributions that Black individuals have made to our nation’s history, and take the time to reflect, listen, and learn.
