By Sean Scott (Editor-in-chief ‘25)
Every February, the stories of Black Americans are highlighted and celebrated during Black History Month. After all, Black history is American history, and without it, the story of America is incomplete. However, despite the importance of Black people and their contributions to American society, Black history is still under attack in our country.
Many people would agree that the foundation for a country’s future lies in how its history is told. The narrative of the past informs how people act in the present and future, so it is crucial that history is taught truthfully and transparently for all to learn and understand. Black history is often intentionally relegated to the sidelines when history is taught in standard curricula across the nation. which is a problem on its own. On top of this, false narratives about Black history are being spread in some places, such as in
Florida, and burying the truth, which some would prefer to remain untold. Take, for example, the notion being taught in Florida schools that slavery benefited the enslaved Black people whose labor was exploited to lay the foundation of our country. Although this erroneous and misleading narrative of American slavery convolutes the truth, there are people who accept it as fact. Make no mistake, there was nothing beneficial for enslaved people about the violence and horrible conditions to which they were subjected for centuries.
Other recent incidents show the ongoing hostility towards Black history. Earlier this month, a school in Miami sent home permission slips for children to take part in a Black History Month activity. The teaching of Black history is not something that needs approval, as if teaching it should be treated as a departure from the norm. This shows an attempt to restrict the flow of Black history information to younger generations. Attacks on symbols of Black heroes, such as the January 2024 theft and subsequent destruction of a Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas, are reminders of the violent measures that some hateful people employ to combat the commemoration of Black people’s accomplishments. In addition, there was backlash criticizing the singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” commonly referred to as the Black National Anthem, at Super Bowl LVIII as unnecessary.
In the face of all of this, it is imperative to preserve the truth of Black history. The attempts to downplay the severity of Black struggles as well as the magnitude of Black triumphs harm our nation’s collective understanding of our past, which is critical for effectively moving forward. They also set dangerous precedents for how Black history, and ultimately Black people, will be treated in the years and decades to come. On the other hand, spreading both the heartbreaking and uplifting stories of Black people enriches the country’s knowledge of Black history and, in turn, affirms Black people’s humanity within a fuller picture of American history. Each of us has a part to play in preserving Black history year-round, and it is a worthwhile endeavor that would contribute to a society that is better for us all.