The fight to advocate for Black history education in the United States has gained urgency over the past year due to a tumultuous political climate. In the wake of last year's National Black History Month, President Trump claimed lessons on African American history were intended to indoctrinate citizens, leading to significant changes, including the removal of a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia.
DeRay Mckesson, a civil rights activist, noted that such policies have left states and cities apprehensive about fiscal retribution, thus impacting educational efforts. Despite this, civil rights organizations and educators are working diligently to celebrate Black history with hundreds of lectures and educational resources available nationwide.
In honor of the centennial of Black History Month, initiatives involving over 150 teachers aim to provide a curriculum that promotes a thoughtful understanding of Black history, as emphasized by Mckesson. Simultaneously, the graphic novel “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth” highlights the journey toward Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. Authored by journalist Angélique Roché, the novel draws attention to historical figures often overlooked and seeks to inspire young people through the legacy of activism.
In light of recent political actions, scholar Jarvis Givens has released “I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month.” This compilation of essays aims to enlighten readers about significant themes in Black history while combating misconceptions. It’s part of a larger campaign that encourages youth to document history themselves, fostering new historians in defiance of ongoing challenges.
The reflections of Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, resonate today as history faces perpetual resistance to comprehensive education. Activists like Mckesson stress the importance of grassroots movements in preserving Black history, suggesting that adversities may prompt even stronger commitments to sharing cultural stories.
