What Black History Month Means in the Wake of Our Racial Justice Reckoning

Black history is American history. Period. An integral part of the fabric of our nation, every president since 1976 has designated February as Black History Month, but the legacy of Black leaders–and changemakers–goes back centuries.

While there is always work to be done, society reached a major turning point with racial justice during the tumultuous year that was 2020. We can meet the current moment and understand the impact of the events that sparked the BLM movement and many that came before, by harnessing the power of Black History Month as an educational launch pad.

In order to pave the way for a more just and equitable future for all, we must understand the past. So, are you ready to take a dive into Black History Month?

Why do we have a Black History Month?

To understand why we celebrate Black History Month each February, let’s go all the way back to 1915. Nearly half a century after slavery was abolished in the USA, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded what is now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The organization sponsored the national Negro History Week starting in 1926, which eventually evolved to an entire month of celebrating Black History thanks to the civil rights movement and the growing awareness of Black identity.

Gerald Ford was the first U.S. President to recognize Black History Month in 1976. The intended purpose of Black History Month is to intentionally amplify Black voices and to expand public awareness of the Black experience beyond racism and slavery, to include the leadership, accomplishments, and contributions of Black Americans. Each year has a different theme, and this year it’s all about resistance.

Black History Month is more than an educational opportunity for schools, but rather a call for greater systemic change. Celebrating and honoring Black voices during the month of February is only a stepping stone to genuine Black allyship. It's crucial that we meaningfully carry the teachings of Black History Month into our everyday pursuit of a more perfect union.

This year’s theme: Black Resistance

The fight to end racial disparities is not a linear one, and certainly didn’t end with the abolishment of slavery or the racial justice reckoning that spawned from the murder of George Floyd. Racial bias still pervades many of the systems and institutions in place in the U.S. today. As long as those systems are in place, the fight continues.

The roots of Black resistance run deep. Since enslaved Africans first set foot on the American continent, there has been a history of resistance. In fact, there are many tales of enslaved people rebelling, which is contrary to the dominant narrative that they were “docile” or “easy to control.”

From fighting against the racial terrorism of lynching to demanding police reform, Black Americans have been on the frontlines of social change in the U.S. Organizing sit-ins, strikes, boycotts, and walkouts; trailblazers continue to push back against discrimination in every arena, from healthcare to housing to employment and everything in between.

As the ASALH states, “Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.” Civil rights leaders like Dr. King, Harry T. and Harriett Moore, and Angela Davis (to name only a few) paved the way so that today’s leaders of Black Lives Matter could continue to fight for racial equity.

Resistance isn’t only present in huge movements like these, though. Tommie Smith and John Carlos made waves at the 1968 Olympics, Black teachers put their jobs on the line to speak out about racial inequities in education, and many Black actors and filmmakers use their art as a form of resistance. Phew, and that’s just a few examples!

This year’s theme, Black Resistance, is happening at a pivotal time in our nation’s history. As we look back on the Black leaders who have worked to build a more equitable future, we have the opportunity to reflect on our own advocacy and activism.

Why Black History Month is important

Since our nation’s beginning, Black stories have been erased and whitewashed, often glazing over the harsh reality that there is still a long way to go when it comes to racial equity. From banning books by Black authors to restricting tellings of Black stories in schools across the country, there are still many institutions that silence our nation's long history of systemic oppression and structural racism. That’s why preserving historical memory and agency over Black storytelling is crucial.

In fact, recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis barred public schools from offering AP African American Studies, an act that further deepened the conversation on whether schools in the U.S. are using accurate and culturally competent curriculum when teaching about race and history. Educators, students, and many others are speaking out about this disregard of Black History.

There’s nuance in Black storytelling, with a wide range of perspectives that deserve to be heard. After all, blackness isn’t a monolith. Part of the current racial justice reckoning is learning to be more receptive, empathetic, and appreciative of diverse Black voices from the past and present. To honor past history-makers is to embrace current ones, and continuing to engage with stories of the past is vital to giving context to present-day issues.

This month and beyond is an invitation to take a deep dive into uncovering realities that shape our nation’s current social landscape, asking ourselves how we can be part of creating a more equitable, inclusive and liberatory society for all.

How you can celebrate

• Follow along with special Black History Month events here, including stellar online seminars and documentary screenings.
• The Smithsonian also has a calendar packed full of events, many of which are free and can be streamed from anywhere.
• Support black-owned businesses. Hey, you might find your new favorite restaurant or shop this way!
• Visit a Black history museum in your area. Better yet, make a fun road trip out of it to find the nearest one.

2023 is the year we embrace resistance to the status quo, so let’s take advantage of all the amazing resources out there this Black History Month and every one afterward. DoSomething will be pumping out some awesome Black History Month content all of February, so make sure you’re following our socials and signed up for our newsletter for more goodies.