This Black History Month,
We Reclaim Our Narrative
February is Black History Month. It has become the month the nation recognizes as a time to celebrate the strides and achievements black people have accomplished over the centuries. But — contrary to founder Carter G. Woodson’s intention — it has become the relegated timeframe to squeeze in as much information about a select few civil rights leaders while whitewashing their stories.
This year, we challenge that. HuffPost is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting our culture, narratives and wholeness with the theme Black History Built This.
Monthlong, we will challenge the revisionist history many have been taught about the role of blackness in this country by shining a light on the historical figures and events pertinent to accurately telling America’s history. More often than not, black people’s accomplishments and contributions to this country are understated or ignored completely. We are seldom given proper credit, let alone praise, for how our rich history and culture has not only influenced, but helped construct the basis for what we view as progress today.
Let this February be a reminder for some and a lesson for others that there is no American history without black history. We built this.
