A word to those working hard to make sure that Black history is erased: It’s going to be harder than you think. Sure, you’ve banned books by Black people writing about America’s fraught racial history, and passed legislation censoring classroom discussions about the breadth and depth of African-Americans’ contributions to our nation.
The opening narration for “The 1619 Project,” the new Hulu series based on the New York Time series of the same name, puts it plainly: “Almost nothing in our country has been left untouched by the legacy and the contributions of Black Americans.”
As any informed person knows, history is inescapable — because today is rooted in the past. Even banned and censored history finds its way into the center of the public conversation of the moment. As I was recently reminded when the Super Bowl teams were announced — say what? I know some of you who know me are asking. How is it that I — an avowed couldn’t-care-less sports person — was paying attention to football’s most important game? Easy — I sat up and took notice the minute the sports analysts pointed out that for the first time ever in the 56-year history of the Super Bowl, both competing teams had Black quarterbacks. Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts made history — Black History. The news transcended viral with endless discussions on every media platform. There was no getting away from the profiles of both young men, the multiple interviews asking each of them to reflect on the importance, and the particular pride of Black fans.
My Dad would have had the story on a loop. I remember Daddy told me the Black players were shut out from playing quarterback because the decision-makers assumed they didn’t have the intellect needed to strategize for the team. How you like me now Florida Governor Ron DeSantis? You, who are focused on ripping African American history from books and classrooms? You can’t stop the kids from witnessing talent and triumph overcoming racial bias. You might want to brush up on the words to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Negro National Anthem.
Even sweeter, Mahomes and Hurts were not the only recent Black firsts breaking down restricted classroom walls. Here at home, Mount Holyoke College named Danielle Ren Holley as the first Black president in the college’s 186-year history. She’ll be the fourth Black woman to helm one of the original Seven Sisters colleges. Two others based in Massachusetts, Wellesley and Smith, are also led by Black women.
I’ll close out this short list of living Black history makers with another sports highlight: Basketball superstar LeBron James toppling the awe-inspiring record of retired Kareem Abul Jabbar, taking the number one spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Both men never fail to put their achievements within the larger context of Black history. In this last week of Black History Month, I’m heartened that even if some don’t like it, Americans are still learning Black history through these current stories — stories that are now forever etched into the stone of American history.
