As the United States marks the centenary of Black History Month, activists, historians, and educators face significant challenges in the advocacy for authentic Black history education. Despite official recognition of February as National Black History Month, the recent political landscape has seen attempts to undermine this educational initiative, highlighted by the removal of important exhibits and narratives from national parks and schools.
DeRay Mckesson, executive director of the police reform organization Campaign Zero, articulated the fear among educators regarding potential retribution for teaching Black history. States and cities are nervous about retribution from the White House, he stated, emphasizing the chilling climate created by threats to educators advocating for comprehensive history lessons.
However, amidst these challenges, the legacy of Black history continues to inspire resilience and activism. Celebrations marking the 100th anniversary have spurred civil rights organizations, artists, and scholars to create an expansive array of educational resources, including lectures and new publications that engage young people and promote a fuller understanding of America's past.
New Narratives Through Graphic Novels
One notable publication is the graphic novel First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth, written by Angélique Roché. This book resonates with Lee's contributions to the recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. Roché hopes this graphic novel will serve as an educational tool for young people, introducing them to history through an engaging medium.
At the end of the day, what the story should actually tell people is that we’re far more alike than we are different,” Roché emphasized, stressing the importance of fact-based narratives grounded in primary sources.
Preserving the Legacy of Black History
In conjunction with contemporary authors like Roché, scholars like Jarvis Givens contribute to the rich legacy of Black historians with works such as I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month. Givens’ essays dissect misconceptions about Black history, reinforcing the importance of education and critical inquiry.
As educators and activists unite under campaigns to foster a new generations of historians, Mckesson and his colleagues stress the significance of younger voices in preserving accurate historical narratives. The campaign aims to equip students with the ability to discern fact from fiction, recognizing the fundamental role of history in shaping societal understanding.
A Reflection on the Past and Present
The history of Black America has consistently faced resistance, a reality Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, understood well. Born to formerly enslaved parents and devoted to elevating Black historical narratives, Woodson believed education was a path to empowerment. Even in the face of adversity, such as the stereotypes and discrimination of his time, he devised educational strategies that encouraged Black communities to share and teach their own history.
Today, Mckesson reflects on this enduring resistance, noting, We will go back to normalcy. We’ve seen these backlashes before. Despite the setbacks, the ongoing efforts to engage young minds and preserve Black history suggest that the legacy of knowledge-sharing remains resilient.
