Black History Is American History​—We Need To Protect It

Black History Is American History​—We Need To Protect It

Why Is Black History Important And Will We Celebrate In 2026?  

Forty-nine years ago, the President of the United States, Gerald Ford, proclaimed the month of February to be Black History Month. It was an important sign from the White House that would highlight African American History and help bring attention to the many unnoticed, unreported, and too often-unrecorded contributions African Americans have made to our country. It would be a chance for all of us to better understand the Black Experience and Black life—and how it is part of the American Experience. 

It never crossed my mind that there might not be a 50th anniversary celebration of Black History Month in 2026, one that would correspond with a momentous occasion in American history—our country’s 250th birthday party. Then again, I never thought that, after forty-nine years we would, as a country, choose to make abortions illegal once again. Or that any President would choose to use executive orders in their first days in office in what appear to be cruel, calculated and spiteful ways.

It never occurred to me that those who invaded the Capitol on January 6th would be seen by some as historically patriotic and those who threatened and attacked the police that day were given Presidential pardons for their actions. 

No idea that the fact we are a nation of immigrants made stronger by our diversity where all are created equal, free to worship as we please, or not at all, would continue to be under attack by powerful forces who would define us simply as a “white, Christian nation.” No idea we would turn on so many of our principles in the post-Civil rights era.

So, no, I no longer take it for granted that the United States of America will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Black History Month in 2026. 

Collective Experiences: Things to celebrate

At this moment, when we can take nothing for granted, it is an important time to become more aware of and committed to Celebration, Education, Inspiration, and Dedication. 

A week after the nation finishes celebrating Black History Month for the 50th time in 2025, we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I have written about the significance of Selma and Bloody Sunday in a previous Blog Post: 

https://markpearsonmusic.com/blog/black-history-images-that-live-on-a-bridge-in-selma-0

My wife and I were there for the 50th anniversary celebration. A gathering of Presidents, past and present, as well as Civil Rights leaders and Community leaders. A celebration hosted by Black America where all were welcome.

The events surrounding Bloody Sunday in Selma in March of 1965 would lead to the Voting Rights Act being signed into law a few months later. A moment when Congress, the White House, and the Courts worked together to bring voting rights to all. Some of the most important legislation of the 20th century. The United States finally living up to its promise of inclusivity for all in the American community. 

Black History Timeline: Becoming part of Common Power

When it comes to education, inspiration, and dedication I found a place to truly engage in those things as a committed member of an organization called Common Power. 

Common Power is a group led by passionate, caring leaders who are committed to the idea and the ideal that “the most common power we all have is the power of our vote,” and that this is our essential way of participating in the American community. 

They - we - believe that the more we are educated about the struggle for freedom and Civil Rights for all, the more inspired we will become. The more inspired we become, the more dedicated we will be to doing our part to create a more perfect union.

The different forms of education 

Common Power offers a ten-week summer internship program for college-age folks to learn more about voting history in America. Creating leaders for the 21st century. Called Action Academy, the idea is to “learn the history” and so “lead the future.” 

The Institute of Common Power is a part of Common Power “dedicated to illuminating undervalued, underappreciated, pivotal aspects of our collective history…through workshops, lectures, courses, learning tours, national educational events and more…” 

Pieces of history: Truth and purpose learning tours

I have been part of a number of Common Power’s Truth and Purpose Learning Tours. There is something magical in learning about the history of the Civil Rights Movement from world class professors in the places where that history was made, accompanied by those who helped make that history.

Turning dedication into action

Common Power is a fine place to join other people for celebration, education, and inspiration. Perhaps an even better one for turning dedication into action. 

Anytime, but maybe especially during challenging times, it’s important to know that we are not alone. That there are places we can go. Things we can do with like-hearted, like-minded, dedicated people. 

Important to know there are people to celebrate with. To continue to learn with, to be inspired by. To help us turn our dedication into action. Common Power and the people that form it is one of those places for me. 

A Moment of Gratitude

During a year when we celebrate African American History Month for the 50th (and hopefully not the final) time, as well as the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, I will take a moment to be grateful to those who have gone before us and everything they sacrificed so we all might have a place at the table. Grateful for what they taught us and continue to teach us, how they continue to inspire us to remain dedicated even in—or especially in—what can be seen as dark and difficult times. 

Grateful as well for organizations like Common Power. Thankful for the people who keep the faith and let us know we’re not alone.   

I believe the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s was one of the most important moments in our country’s history. I created videos that share some of that history in songs and stories. Here is a link to what I call Remember the Dream.