The Importance of Black History Month: Preserving Our Stories, Protecting Our Legacy

As February rolls in, Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black people in America and beyond. More than just a time for reflection, it is a call to action—a moment to honor our ancestors, amplify our stories, and push back against the ongoing efforts to rewrite, diminish, or erase our history.

Why Black History Month Matters

For centuries, Black history has been marginalized, misrepresented, or outright excluded from mainstream narratives. From the erasure of African civilizations' impact on global culture to the downplaying of Black leaders’ roles in shaping America, the fight to preserve our history has been ongoing. Black History Month is a direct response to this erasure. It ensures that our stories—ones of brilliance, perseverance, and revolution—are not just remembered but celebrated.

Defending Our Narrative in a Time of Resistance

Today, we face renewed attacks on the truth of Black history. Across the country, educational policies are banning books and restricting lessons on systemic racism, slavery, and civil rights. These efforts to dilute our history are not just about curriculum—they are about power, control, and silencing a truth that makes many uncomfortable. If we do not actively share our history, it risks being distorted or lost altogether.

The Power of Passing Down Knowledge

Black History Month is not just for institutions—it’s for us. It’s an opportunity to pass down knowledge in our homes, churches, and communities. It’s a time to teach our children about the pioneers left out of textbooks, to uplift the stories of Black excellence in business, science, activism, and the arts. By sharing our history, we empower future generations with the truth about where we come from and the strength within us to shape the future.

Celebrating, Educating, and Elevating

This month—and every month—we must take ownership of our narrative. Whether through community discussions, reading works by Black authors, supporting Black-owned businesses, or engaging in activism, we must ensure that our history is told by us, for us.

Our history is not just Black history—it is American history. And we will not let it be erased.