Should We Continue This Fight?

The movements for Black Lives Matter, anti-racism, and the 1619 Project emerged during Trump’s final term, sparking the implementation of DEI programs across various sectors. Similarly, the Civil Rights Movement arose in response to Jim Crow laws, ultimately leading to their dismantling, while the abolitionist movement began during slavery and contributed to its end. Historical patterns show that as white supremacy attempts to gain power, the strength of the Black community rises in response, often resulting in a shift that places Blackness at the forefront. We can see this trend now, with events like Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show and Beyoncé winning a country music Grammy capturing widespread attention.

This dynamic suggests that the elevation of Black voices frequently coincides with attempts to uphold white supremacy. It seems nearly impossible to prevent this ongoing struggle for visibility, and history shows that efforts to marginalize Blackness have failed. Carter G. Woodson pioneered the celebration of Black history at a time when it was forbidden, and no institution or organized effort can ultimately suppress our collective celebration.

However, we must ask ourselves whether the goal should be to center Blackness exclusively. Shouldn’t we also recognize the importance of centering Native, Latino, and other marginalized communities? At times, the focus on centering Black experiences can lead to the neglect of other groups, mirroring the historical disregard we’ve faced from those in power.

Isn’t it time for a new approach? What if we collectively centered all of humanity, celebrating our individual contributions, acknowledging our shared failures, and working together to create a more just and equitable society for everyone? Or will we continue this cycle, where Black voices rise in response to oppression, frustrating those who have long sought to maintain the status quo?