Confronting Black History: A Necessary Truth

I will never forget when someone told me they were uncomfortable with my posts because they were becoming too “political”. Strangely enough, it was during black history month and as usual, I increased my social media posts that informed about black history and the truth that may or may not be taught to the public. Everything posted was factual and proven. I was in high school and, at the time, I didn’t understand the issue.

Regardless, for some reason, my history made them upset enough to hint at me to stop saying anything.

And as much as I hate to admit it, it worked.

In my mind, I did not want to offend anyone, especially fellow church members and friends. I did not want to be divisive. As a Christian I strive for unity within the body and sometimes, if it causes offense some things should not be said.

To them my social page is supposed to be lighthearted with glimpses into my fun life. They came to see colorful, enjoyable, and highly saturated pictures. Not information on the continued affects Jim crow ideology still has on our culture.

Black History is not Controversial

I became acutely aware that the truth surrounding black history mad them uncomfortable. For them, Black history was a threat to their understanding of both their own identity and their country. Not because it was shrouded in lies or conspiracy. But because it was all true.

Today, if I was confronted with the same situation, my response would have been kind but direct: Black History is not controversial or a political agenda. It is a real history that did happen.

History is meant to be learned, no matter how gruesome or awful it is. Because at the end of the day we live in an evil and sinful world filled with cruel rhetoric and ideologies. And it is important to know that there is not a form of hate or evil that is new. If you look at ancient history or biblical history we will see these same human tendencies towards racism, hatred, group-think, bigotry and more. If we ignore this glaring warning, it will happen again! That is why it is so important that we ensure we are not selecting what parts of history we want to accept.

Black history, Native American history, Hispanic American history are all American history. We don’t get to pick and choose what parts of our country’s history we want to acknowledge. It is all important and every part of American history has shaped our present reality.

Claiming to be proud of American history while ignoring very crucial aspects of that same history only promotes ignorance while creating a false sense of national pride. I believe a true patriot acknowledges all parts of their country’s history. They acknowledge the sins of their nation and what led to them, and they aim to both rectify those moral failures and ensure they never happen again.

Black History Must Be Taught

The intent behind sharing black history is not to make anyone feel guilty. It is a dedication to spreading truth and bringing awareness where there may have been ignorance. If hearing about true historical wrongs that happened in our country makes us feel guilty then it is up to us to assess why. Do not run from those feelings or feel shame. Sit with those feelings and face them head on.

Many of us who share black history do not want anyone to feel guilt for what happened in the past. Rather, we want you to remember what happened so as not to repeat the same rhetoric, tactics, ideologies, and manipulation that allowed institutions such as slavery, concentration camps, segregation and genocide to happen for so long.

We want you to understand how our system has worked against us for so long that it has caused our people damage that we are still trying to repair. We want you to choose a different path than those who may have came before you. To choose to love and study the bible from a clear lens rather than a cultural one.

Black history should motivate you to stand with us not against us.

Black History Cannot Be Forgotten

Remember, history will always affect the present. History is not like a calculator where you can just hit reset and the results of your actions immediately disappear. That is why statements like, “that’s in the past” are false security blankets to help conceal the reality of those affected by that past as well as absolve those who committed the wrong.

If you ignore what happened you will fall victim to the same tactics that were used to allow such evils to happen for so many years.

Black history is complex but it is also so beautiful. It details a resilience that many would have crumbled under. It speaks of a yearning for freedom, equality, and to rise above whatever our situation tried to place us in. The constant fight that has been happening for years and the censorship of the real battles that happen everyday.

Black history should not be controversial. It is not the responsibility of others to shield you from the emotions you may experience when confronted with the truth of American history. The truth will simply shine a light and it is up to us to choose to embrace what that light is showing us or to ignore reality because it makes us uncomfortable.

So, to everyone of all races and nationalities: Happy Black History Month!

With Love,