Black History: Paving the Way

February is Black History Month. With all the waking up in American society, one might wonder if Black History Month is of any real relevance today. Without question, it is just as relative now as it ever was, maybe even more so. America is still centered on white males, and now there are conservative lawmakers who want to double down on that, even to the point of outlawing the teaching of Black history, offering the reason to protect white children from feeling bad.

That stance is as absurd as it is outrageous. White children are not going to be harmed learning the truths about American history. Perhaps the best thing about Black History Month, is that it opened the flood gates to end the centering on white men as the definitive American.

Now we are seeing all kinds of recognition about other Americans who are also not white men, as well we should. Black History Month paved the way for that to happen. Our history in America defined the struggle for freedom around the world. Our story is so unique, we are still learning about it and coming to grips with so much of what we have been through, and our accomplishments regardless of the obstacles racism places in our path to progress.

Now we have Women’s History, Asian American, Latinx history and we all benefit from this shared knowledge and acceptance of all of our contributions to America. If there isn’t one for Native Americans, then we need two. As long as there is an America with Black people in it, we will continue to have a reason to celebrate Black History Month.