As we are rounding out the end of Black History Month, I wanted to touch on a few topics. It has been my goal this month to decolonize Black history and remove it from the United States American white lens. On my Tiktok platform, I have been discussing diasporic culture. (the various cultures that were created amongst displaced Africans due to the transatlantic slave trade)
However, this month was created by Black United States Americans to showcase the many accomplishments we have had and continue to have in the face of opposition, oppression, and the violence of whiteness. Let’s begin there.
The Genesis of Black History Month
A Testament to Resilience and Recognition
One should seek to understand the critical importance of Black United States Americans in creating Black History Month. This initiative was not just about dedicating a period to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals; it was a strategic move to reclaim and spotlight a history that has been systematically marginalized and distorted. Black History Month serves as a deliberate counteraction to the erasure of Black achievements from mainstream narratives and emphasizes the need for an inclusive and accurate representation of history. It represents a dedicated time to reflect on the resilience, celebrate the achievements, and acknowledge the ongoing fight for justice and equity. It’s a reminder that Black history is not only a moment in time of United States American history but an integral and undeniable foundation of history.
We must remove the United States American white lens because that is not the history of Black people in this land, it is however the history of the violence of whiteness towards Black people in this land. It has been my goal that many take the moment to think of culture and all that it encompasses.
Culture is being defined as: Language, Art/music/dance, traditional clothing, spiritual practices, and food.
It is very common for Black United States Americans to be left out of this glorious tapestry of diasporic culture because we remain here with those who haven't any culture due to their very own colonization.
In a search for what is missing from them, they take, appropriate, and hoard that which was brought here and created within the various cultures of Black United States Americans.
I could go into depth and separate the various Black United States American cultures by region, spiritual practices, language, and more, but for this article, I will do a very simple overview of what Black United States American history IS, outside of the lens of the oppressive dominant culture.
This article aims to shift the focus from a history marked by violence and oppression to one that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of diasporic culture—encompassing language, art, music, dance, traditional clothing, spiritual practices, and food. It’s a call to recognize and honor the multifaceted cultures of Black United States Americans, that is often overlooked amidst appropriation and cultural erasure
Decolonizing Our Perspective
Redefining Black History
The narrative of Black history, especially within the United States, has often been confined to a linear trajectory marked by slavery, Civil Rights movements, and the ongoing struggle for equity and justice. While these elements are undeniably crucial, such a narrow focus obscures the rich, complex tapestry of Black history that spans continents and centuries, pre-dating colonialism and slavery. To truly understand and appreciate the depth of Black history and culture, we must adopt a lens that transcends the United States American context, recognizing the global dimensions of Black experiences.
The Shadows of Colonization
Colonization has left indelible marks on the histories and cultures of people across the globe, particularly those of African descent. The colonial mindset categorized the world into the colonizers and the colonized, imposing a hierarchy that deemed anything African as inferior or primitive. This Eurocentric (this is also colonization and we discuss that in the hidden costs of whiteness) perspective has pervaded history books, educational systems, and media, skewing our understanding and appreciation of African civilizations and their diaspora. By viewing Black history through this distorted lens, we not only diminish the contributions of African peoples but also neglect the diversity of Black experiences worldwide.
Reclaiming Pre-Colonial Histories
Before the transatlantic slave trade tore millions from their homelands, Africa was a continent of vast kingdoms, empires, and cultures, each with its own intricacies and innovations. The Great Zimbabwe ruins, the advanced societies of the Mali and Songhai Empires, and the rich intellectual and cultural hubs of Timbuktu are testaments to a history of sophistication and achievement. These narratives of pre-colonial Africa, rich in knowledge, art, and governance, challenge the reductionist views imposed by colonization and slavery. Acknowledging these histories is essential to understanding the resilience and creativity of Black cultures in the face of adversity.
Global Diaspora and Interconnectivity
The African diaspora has created a global network of cultures, influenced by, yet distinct from, their ancestral lands. From the Afro-Brazilian traditions of Candomblé to the vibrant sounds of reggae in Jamaica and the soulful blues of the American South, along with the infectious beats of Hip-Hop in the Bronx, the diaspora has fostered a cultural interconnectivity that transcends geographical boundaries. These cultures, though born from the violence of slavery and colonization, have thrived, creating new expressions of identity and community. Recognizing the global nature of Black history allows us to appreciate the diversity of the Black experience and the shared struggles and triumphs of people of African descent worldwide.
Challenging the Narrative
To decolonize our perspective of Black history, we must challenge the narratives that have been shaped by a colonial mindset. This involves critically examining the sources of our knowledge, seeking out stories and histories from African and Afro-descendant perspectives, and recognizing the contributions of Black individuals and communities to global history. It means celebrating the achievements of Black people not only in the context of resistance to oppression but also in their contributions to science, art, literature, and more.
Embracing a Global Perspective
Viewing Black history through a lens that transcends the United Sattes American context is not only about correcting historical inaccuracies; it's about honoring the depth, diversity, and resilience of Black cultures. It's a call to embrace a narrative that acknowledges the interconnectedness of our histories and the shared humanity that binds us. By expanding our understanding of Black history to include the global dimensions of the African diaspora, we can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and enriched perspective on the world.
In adopting this broader lens, we are challenged to rethink our perceptions and engage with a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Black history. This approach not only enriches our knowledge but also bridges divides, fostering a greater sense of global solidarity and appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape our world.
I will end part 1 right here.
Here is what is coming next in the series:
The Richness of Diasporic Culture
A Mosaic of Traditions
Language and Communication
Voices of the Diaspora
Artistic Expressions
Canvas of Resistance
Spirituality and Belief Systems
Roots of Resilience
Culinary Heritage
A Feast of Cultures
With love and care,
Desireé B Stephens