Reflections on February: Black History is American History

February begins the talk of a groundhog seeing its shadow, then marketing in stores and on television announce it is Black History Month. Frederick Douglass, Ida B Wells, Martin Luther King, Jr., and conversations about slavery in America begin to take shape in classrooms and mainstream media.

This year we ask the question – Why are Black History lessons in classrooms essentially the retelling of slavery in America? There are so many more stories to be told. Why do we focus on slavery? My initial response is “we want to share the triumph of people who survived against incredible and overwhelmingly brutal circumstances” additionally, “the same reason we talk about the Holocaust” - we want to remember what can happen if we sit idly by.

As Black Americans, we want to ensure that as history is told it’s not just “His story” but it is our story, the story of our contributions to the making of this country. Clearly, Black history is absolutely more than slavery and the civil rights movements of the 50’s and 60’s. It is an opportunity to make space to tell the hidden stories, for example:

The story of Katherine Johnson (who died February 24, 2020) and her colleagues who were instrumental in NASA's space race.

It’s also a time to continue to learn about other important parts of black history and culture, like the importance of the black church. This is highlighted in the PBS documentary by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. - “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song”.

Notice the visual cues that change to include black people in American society during the month of February; magazine covers, articles, marketing and branding efforts promote easy mainstream conversations that highlight black icons like Malcom X, Jessie Jackson, the Black Panthers, Medgar Evers, Angela Davis, James Baldwin, Shirley Chisholm along with so many others.

Let’s take a moment to take pride in the achievements of Black Americans, past and present. Reflect upon the progress made in spite of all that stood in the way. Hope prevails as we continue the work to unite people and cultures and move towards our nation’s destiny - a more perfect union.

The journey continues even as we turn our attention to Spring. Black History is American history.