By Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor
Executive Director, National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc.
It has been 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. Since 1926, Black History Month has been used to remember and uplift the legacy of people of African descent in America and around the world. Dr. Woodson believed that by learning our history, we would be instilled with pride, and that pride would help further our goals, increasing our drive for self-determination. We have always faced persecution in our quest to protect black lives and uplift our stories. However, in 2026, we are now at a critical juncture where our federal government is actively removing Black historical markers and erasing Black history in real time. The situation is coupled with political and institutional attacks, with threats against persons and institutions that strive to continue uplifting the legacy of Black people in America and globally. The goal is not only to make us forget, but also to make us subservient. The teaching of Black history is a threat to authoritarianism and fascism.
Black historians, authors, artists, and activists have actively played a role in forcing this nation to uphold democratic principles that it has often denied minority populations. In addition, we have upheld a mirror, showcasing the hypocrisies of this nation, and how it has harmed people of African descent within the United States of America and globally, while also claiming to be the “land of the free” and “home of the brave.” Our current administration is utilizing various forms of threats and political maneuvers to prevent this type of activism and stop the democratic process from moving forward, including using uninformed, opportunistic celebrities to further their goals. At the National Black Cultural Information Trust, our main goal is to protect the freedom of Black communities and protect our history. With our Protect Black History program, we send books and other resources to partners in various communities. We also distribute educational resources, host book fairs and create cultural events to uphold our legacy.
What does it mean to really protect Black History? Protecting Black history is more than spouting Black historical facts. It is about asserting the legacy, the lifeline, and the humanity of people of African descent in America and around the world. Black history is American history, but, even more so, it is world history. And both nationally and on a global scale, people of African descent face discrimination and oppression, including the continuation of slavery, under imprisonment and neocolonialism. Protecting Black history means remembering that we are human beings, deserving of full lives, self-determination, and the ability to thrive.
Protecting Black history means protecting Black futures. Recognizing that what we experience today has a direct impact on future generations tomorrow. So we assert our humanity, our human and civil rights, and our right to determine our future, with or without government support. We will continue to ensure that Black history is taught within our communities, regardless of whether it is taught in public schools. Just as our ancestors did, we will be creative and tap into our ingenuity to ensure that our children and future generations know who they are, who they came from, and the possibilities for what they can be.
To help us protect Black history, donate here. To learn more about our programming, email us at info@nbcit.org.