Black History is American History

Black History is American History ... It seems like such a simple statement of fact. And yet, as we see happening across the country, this statement of fact is being refuted and suppressed in schools and in entire states. [1]

Undeniably, African Americans have been a vital part of the creation of this country and have, through coercion or determination, contributed to its longevity and prosperity. The free labor we provided fed, clothed and enriched a fledgling country [2]. We built buildings we were not allowed to enter [3] and raised the children of the same people who profited from the kidnap and sale of our ancestors [4]. Those children grew to become this country’s leaders and entrepreneurs, even as these same futures were denied to our own children. And yet, despite all of this, Black Americans continue to create, inspire and build the world our ancestors dreamed of but could not reach.

These heroes were Black Americans like John Pinkston, one of the first Black residents of Marin County. Black Americans like Joseph James, Annie Small, Reverend Samuels and Rodessa Battle, the Marin City residents and shipyard workers who helped America achieve victory in World War II while having to battle for basic civil rights here in Marin County. Black Americans like George Duke, the world-renowned keyboardist, singer-songwriter and record producer; like Archie Williams, the gold-medal-winning Olympic athlete, celebrated Air Force officer and long-time teacher at the high school later named in his honor; and like so many more women and men who invested in and enriched this region, despite monumental opposition and discrimination.

This legacy is continued in Black residents in Marin who are telling these stories, and who are uplifting their communities through their leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship and activism to this day. Every Marin resident should know the names and achievements of the Black Americans making history in their community. We should know the names of people like Brian Colbert: District 2 Supervisor, Marin County’s first Black mayor and the first Black American to serve on a Marin town council; Terrie Harris-Green: Marin City civic leader and environmental activist; and Felicia Gaston: Community organizer and historian who continues to share the stories of Marin City’s rich culture and contributions.

Black history IS American history. However, as we look across the county, we see an echo of the same suppression of Black stories, contributions and history that spurred the famed historian, Carter G. Woodson’s work to affirm the innumerable contributions of Black Americans to the United States. He established “Negro History Week” to combat the narrative that Black achievements and contributions should be taken advantage of but not acknowledged by the wider American public. (Negro History week was later, officially recognized as Black History Month by Gerald Ford in 1979.) [5]

One of the best ways we can combat the suppression of African American achievements is by intentionally and vocally remembering and honoring the history makers among us, both renowned and unsung. Black History Month is a yearly reminder to renew our commitment to making this country and this county Equitable, Welcoming, and Inclusive for all, but especially for the African American residents who make Marin County such a culturally rich place to live.

This month and every month, you can find a host of books, resources, activities and opportunities at Marin County Free Libraries to celebrate and recognize the achievements and rich cultural history of Black Americans here in Marin County and all over the country. Join us for a celebration of Black achievement this month!

Contributed by Rashida Skaar

Sources:

1.      Chad Davis, “How teaching Black history in schools became a national controversy” (NPR, February 29, 2024.)

2.      P.R. Lockhart, “How slavery became America’s first big business” (Vox, August 16, 2019.)

3.      The White House Historical Association, “Did slaves build the White House?”

4.      Unnamed “Negro Nurse”, “‘We Are Literally Slaves’: An Early Twentieth-Century Black Nanny Sets the Record Straight” (Independent, January 25, 1912 pp. 196-200.) [Accessed through George Mason University, History Matters.]

5.      Daryl Michael Scott, “The origins of Black History Month” (ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Copyright 2025.)