This February has been the 100th anniversary of acknowledging U.S. Black American history and the 50th anniversary of the official recognition of Black History Month.
What explains why so many people overlook this significant month? This absence of acknowledgment raises questions about our collective memory and the values we prioritize. It’s important to consider the consequences of ignoring events that shape our history and identity, diminishing their significance in our shared cultural narrative.
Black History Month, celebrated each February in the United States, traces its roots back to Negro History Week, which was established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. Officially recognized in 1976, this month-long observance highlights the significant contributions and historic dehumanization of Black Americans. For over 400 years, considerable resistance to acknowledging the full scope of the Black American experience has remained a critical issue.
Willingness to Unlearn and Learn
This resistance to and denial of Black American lived experiences is counterproductive, as understanding the history of Black Americans can illuminate many of the challenges currently facing this nation. The origins of Anti-Blackness and Anti-Black Racism, the systemic dehumanization of Black individuals, and the long-standing inequities in all aspects of life—including leadership, the professional workforce, housing, economic wealth, traffic stops, politics, social connections, neighborhoods, and romantic partnerships—would become clearer if all Americans engaged with and understood this history. Embracing this knowledge is essential for developing a more informed and equitable society.
While many Americans are familiar with Civil Rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, it is essential to acknowledge the thousands of Black Americans who played vital roles in shaping U.S. history. There are inventors, innovators, scientists, educators, business leaders, activists, critical thinkers, and advocates whose contributions have been pivotal in the fight for justice and equality. Recognizing their stories is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of America’s past, the political divisiveness, economic wealth, and the ongoing struggle for equal living and equal justice.
The mere mention of the term “equal” can evoke discomfort and even anger among those who dehumanize Black Americans. This reaction underscores the deep-seated resistance to acknowledging the fundamental rights and dignity that should be afforded to all individuals equally, regardless of skin color. Such a visceral response highlights the ongoing resistance to admitting systemic Anti-Black racism exists and the urgent need for societal change and transformation.
Triaging Inequities
The same Americans who avoid and go silent during Black History Month are more than happy to fill the rest of the calendar year with heritage months in competition with Black History Month. Where does this competition and jealousy come from? When researchers and practitioners with Black American lived experience and expertise are trained to triage inequities, they realize Black people are still the most dehumanized and worst-treated people on Earth. Research reveals that because of this systemic dehumanization, Black Americans endure notable health indicators and a higher mortality rate. A direct relation to depriving Black Americans of social services equal to the benefits white people receive. Many white Americans are offended and complain when Black Americans receive any social support, while they regularly access the same and better social benefits which they don’t see as unfair.
The genocides, erasure, terrorism, human trafficking, violence, and disregard for human and animal life find their direct origins in the globally and legally sanctioned dehumanization of Black Americans and Black people worldwide. Many of the worst atrocities in modern human history used the dehumanization of Black Americans and their enslaved ancestors as a framework for those atrocities. The denial of this context and attempts at erasure of this historical fact to elevate whiteness and other racialized groups prove the depth of social conditioning practiced to keep Black people dehumanized in the U.S. and around the world.
Historical Context and Psychological Well-Being
A deeper understanding of these resistances and denial enables U.S. Americans to grasp the intricate complexities and stark inequalities that Black Americans endure. When analyzing societal issues in the U.S. and globally, it is imperative to acknowledge the dehumanization of Black Americans as a fundamental cause of the horrific violence that plagues the world.
Understanding the significance of Black American historical narratives is crucial for your personal well-being, economic stability, and mental health. Throughout your life, gaps in your knowledge about American history have often been filled with myths and deliberate misinformation, resulting in a distorted narrative. This distortion has allowed harmful justifications for the mistreatment of Black Americans to take root, shaping societal views that perpetuate a sense of superiority among those who are not Black, even when these individuals and groups possess marginalized social identities. Recognizing Black American history is essential for developing a more equitable understanding of our shared past and its ongoing impact on the present.
President Obama became the first to enact universal healthcare in the U.S., despite facing significant backlash, but he was not the first to advocate for such a system. The mere mention of Obama’s achievement can provoke anger among those harboring Anti-Blackness, prompting them to strategize their counterarguments. Both Presidents Roosevelt and Truman attempted to introduce universal healthcare for all citizens. Roosevelt incorporated healthcare into broader social insurance proposals, while Truman presented a national health insurance plan in 1945. However, these efforts encountered fierce opposition from white populations fearing that equal access to healthcare for Black Americans might increase their population, threatening white demographic dominance instead of minimizing Black Americans. Had those policies been adopted, the U.S. could have enjoyed nearly 100 years of universal healthcare, significantly improving American lives.
The point of learning and understanding history is not to repeat the mistakes and harms of the past. When facing challenges in your life or observing issues in your communities and workplaces, reflect on the vibrant history of Black Americans. This reflection can provide valuable context for understanding current challenges. This historical approach can empower you to tackle obstacles with greater insight, psychological well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose.