Over the past year, experts, activists, and historians have faced significant obstacles in their quest to advocate for Black history education in the United States.
The contentious political climate has been exacerbated by recent actions from the Trump administration, including claims that certain African American history lessons are designed to promote a negative view of the country. This has led to the removal of notable exhibits from national parks, such as a recent exhibit on slavery in Philadelphia. Advocates fear these actions may chill efforts to teach and celebrate Black history.
DeRay Mckesson, an activist and executive director of Campaign Zero, expressed concern about the impact on educators, stating, States and cities are nervous about retribution from the White House. So even the good people are just quieter now. This year's 100th anniversary of Black History Month is seen as an opportunity to combat these challenges.
In recognition of this milestone, civil rights organizations and scholars are ramping up efforts to engage young people with the full story of America through hundreds of lectures, workshops, and new publications.
We are collaborating with more than 150 teachers nationwide to create a Black History Month curriculum that ensures young people learn about Black history in a meaningful way, Mckesson said, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful education.
A New Graphic Novel Celebrating Juneteenth
Journalist Angélique Roché has recently released a graphic novel that retells the life of Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth. Lee has played a pivotal role in gaining federal recognition for the June 19 holiday, marking the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. However, under the Trump administration, Juneteenth has not maintained its status as a free-admission day at national parks.
Roché's work, titled First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth, draws from extensive research and interviews with Lee, whose proactive mantra encourages young people to take initiative in their advocacy. It doesn’t mean don’t work with other people; don’t wait for others to make the changes you want to see, Roché notes.
Training the Next Generation of Black Historians
Amidst the tumult, Harvard professor Jarvis Givens was inspired to contribute to the discourse with his new book, I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month. This collection of essays honors the legacy of Black History Month and seeks to clarify misconceptions about Black history.
Givens aims to offer insight into essential themes and foster a new generation of historians who will learn to differentiate fact from fiction. Mckesson believes that the campaign associated with Givens’ book will empower students to engage with history actively.
Reflections on the Legacy of Carter G. Woodson
As the founder of Negro History Week in 1926, Carter G. Woodson laid the groundwork for Black History Month, promoting the value of Black history at a time when it was widely dismissed. The 50th anniversary of the month was recognized by President Gerald Ford, yet challenges to Black history education persist.
Woodson likely would not be surprised by today's pushback against the teaching of Black history, seeing it as part of a cycle of resistance that has taken place throughout generations. Mckesson notes, We will go back to normalcy. We’ve seen these backlashes before, emphasizing the resilience of movements that aim to teach accurate histories.
As America observes Black History Month, the resolve of advocates, educators, and historians shines brightly in their efforts to maintain and promote the importance of Black history, ensuring it remains a vital part of the American narrative.
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