Black History Month: A Celebration, Not an Act of Defiance

Black History Month: A Celebration, Not an Act of Defiance

As February arrives and Black History Month begins, we at BLKSTL recognize it not as an act of defiance but as a time-honored tradition of celebration, education, and empowerment. While recent political shifts have cast a shadow on diversity efforts, our history is not one that can be erased, ignored, or diminished by policy changes.

Honoring the Legacy of Black History Month

Black History Month was never about waiting for permission from those in power to validate our contributions. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, understood the importance of documenting, preserving, and celebrating our achievements—not as a footnote in history, but as an integral part of the American story. From the first observance of Negro History Week in 1926 to its expansion into a full month in 1970, this time has always been about us reclaiming our narrative.

The Politics of Recognition

The recent attempts to downplay the impact of systemic racism and rewrite history are nothing new. Whether it’s altering government websites, banning discussions on race, or diminishing the importance of diversity initiatives, these efforts only underscore the importance of continuing the work that Black historians, activists, and educators have been doing for generations.

President Trump’s 2025 Black History Month proclamation, while recognizing figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, strategically included conservative Black figures like Thomas Sowell and Clarence Thomas while downplaying the hardships Black Americans have endured. This selective acknowledgment of history is an attempt to rewrite the narrative into something more palatable for those uncomfortable with the truth.

Black History Is Not Up for Debate

Black history is not an act of rebellion—it is a testament to resilience, brilliance, and cultural influence. It is in our music, our literature, our innovations, and our fight for justice. Erasing DEI programs or restricting how history is taught does not change the facts. The stories of our ancestors, our leaders, and our communities will continue to be told, whether or not they fit a political agenda.

How We Move Forward

Instead of framing the study of Black history as defiance, we choose to see it as a call to action:

• Support Black educators, historians, and storytellers who continue to preserve and share our narratives.

• Engage with Black-owned businesses and community-driven initiatives that keep our legacy alive.

• Hold leaders accountable for how they choose to acknowledge or ignore our contributions.

At BLKSTL, we stand firm in our mission to uplift, educate, and inspire. Black history is American history, and we will celebrate it unapologetically. - Written by Myleke Boeski