Black History Is American History

“Black history isn't a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that.” - Karyn Parson. 

Another February has circled its way on our calendars. The month-long celebrations, awareness, and promotions have ramped back up as we give honor to Black History Month. This necessary distinction to our calendars brings great reminders of the countless Black voices, thought leaders, and advocates for justice who have enriched our American history. And we want to shine a spotlight on an important lesson this month–we’re not celebrating Black history as an isolated history. As Karyn Parson quotes, “This is all of our history, this is American history.”

One way this mistake can creep into our culture is by limiting the stories we tell of Americans from the Black community. In addition to the inspiring and necessary stories of leaders we often hear about, such as Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., did you know we have enough history to fill the entire year with reminders of celebrated Black historical figures? As a fun quiz, take a look at the list of names below and count how many you’re familiar with. Could you give a synopsis of what historical significance each brought to our American history?

• George Washington Carver

• Dorothy Johnson Vaughan

• Mark E. Dean

• Mae C. Jemison 

• Sarah Breedlove Walker

• Shirley Chisholm

• Bessie Coleman

• Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.

• Katherine Johnson

• John Lewis

• Thurgood Marshall

• Sojourner Truth

• Booker T. Washington

• Ida B. Wells

• Henry "Box" Brown

• Garrett Morgan

• Janet Collins

In this sampling, you’ve likely heard of some names, and you might even know a few facts about their lives. But the sad reality is, we don’t give an equal amount of time and attention to the leaders within the Black community. And this is to our own detriment as a society. 

What do we do?

It’s too easy to succumb to a defeated attitude when we realize the many ways we have missed the mark in telling a comprehensive American history in schools and in our families. There is a lot of hurt, suffering, injustice, and pain we want to turn our faces from. Sometimes we want to “move forward” by turning a blind eye to the pain of the past. And yet, this is not the solution. So, what can we do? How can leaders and organizations take a healthy step forward? Here are three steps to guide you as you make a positive change:

1. Be willing to learn (and maybe unlearn/relearn). Begin with the list above! Pick a name you’re unfamiliar with and read a book on the person’s life. Look up an article to hear about their contributions to our society.

2. Reflect on how this compares with the history you learned as a child. What educational environment did you grow up in? Ask yourself and reflect on why you were or weren’t taught more about these stories of American history.

3. Understand the impact this makes for your future. How will you act differently? What are ways you can promote a more comprehensive story of our American history? What current black leaders and voices are you elevating in your day-to-day life? 

We each have a role to play. It’s not left to the educators in classrooms alone. You can make a difference by the way you are willing to learn, relearn, and relate this history in your own life! What does starting today look like for you?

If you’re looking for more ways to let this mindset be a rhythm in your organization, contact Cross-Cultural Dynamics for a consultation on learning processes, team dynamics, and other helpful resources.