Last year was tumultuous for educators, historians, and activists advocating for the teaching of Black history in the United States. Although February was proclaimed National Black History Month, the political climate has pushed many to reassess how Black history is taught. President Trump’s administration has faced backlash for claims that certain lessons are meant to indoctrinate youth against the nation, leading to the dismantling of programs and exhibits, such as the recent removal of a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia.
DeRay Mckesson, executive director of Campaign Zero, expressed that this climate has silenced even well-meaning individuals. States and cities are nervous about retribution from the White House. Good people are just quieter now,” he remarked.
On the centennial of Black History Month, new waves of activism are emerging to invigorate educational approaches. Modern celebrations are characterized by numerous lectures, teach-ins, and the publication of new books exploring pivotal themes in Black history.
Mckesson emphasized the importance of his organization’s collaboration with over 150 teachers to implement an intentional Black History Month curriculum that will keep young generations engaged with their heritage.
Highlighting this ongoing commitment, journalist Angélique Roché will release a graphic novel titled “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth.” Lee, known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” played a key role in establishing June 19 as a recognized holiday. Roché emphasizes the necessity of utilizing primary source facts to educate young audiences on their history.
In parallel, Jarvis Givens from Harvard University is gearing up to release a book titled “I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month.” His work aims to clarify misconceptions and underscore significant themes within Black culture, asserting that historical preservation must include the voices and insights of younger generations.
Reflecting on the historical context, Robert Trent Vinson posits that Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black history, would not be surprised by current resistance to African American studies; rather, he would view it as a natural cycle of resistance and resurgence, echoing sentiments felt throughout history.
Amid these challenges, activists reinforce that education remains the most potent tool in combating historical erasure and fostering a collective understanding of Black heritage. As Mckesson noted, the spirit of resistance among Black communities persists, striving to organize and teach history with intention and clarity.
