Celebrating Black History Month is a testament to our nation’s enduring commitment to freedom, equality, and justice—shared values that transcend political and social divides. Notably, past presidents have advanced the official recognition of Black History Month in the United States, understanding Black history is key to realizing our constitutional commitments and embodying our founding principles.
In the bicentennial year 1976, President Gerald Ford took a significant step by officially recognizing February as Black History Month. His proclamation honored the core American ideals of individual rights and liberty, while candidly confronting the reality that these principles had not been fully experienced by Black Americans.
A decade later, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that established February as National Black History Month and designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national holiday. In his proclamation, President Reagan underscored the pivotal role of the Civil Rights Movement in shaping our national consciousness, stating:
Black history in the United States has been a proving ground for America’s ideals. A great test of these ideals came with the Civil War and the elimination of slavery. Another test came a century later, in the struggle for practical recognition of the rights already won in principle — the abolition of legalized segregation and second-class citizenship.
The foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity. It is also a time to celebrate the many achievements of blacks in every field, from science and the arts to politics and religion. It not only offers black Americans an occasion to explore their heritage, but it also offers all Americans an occasion and opportunity to gain a fuller perspective of the contributions of black Americans to our Nation. The American experience and character can never be fully grasped until the knowledge of black history assumes its rightful place in our schools and our scholarship.
Further reinforcing this commitment, in his final year of office, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation celebrating Black History Month and the achievements of Black Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing need to ensure opportunity for all Americans:
All Americans can be proud of the progress we have made, yet the work for a more perfect union is not done. As we celebrate National African American History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to build a society where every individual has the opportunity to achieve the promise of this great land.
The consistent support for Black History Month from Republican administrations spanning three decades, and the Democratic administrations in between, reinforces that celebrating Black history is about honoring America’s foundational commitments, not advancing a partisan agenda.
At RFA, we view education opportunity as one of the most vital pillars of a robust democracy. As we reflect on the evolution of Black History Month, we see it not only as a time to celebrate, but as a call to enrich our education system with a comprehensive and honest account of our nation’s progress. Understanding Black history in its entirety is essential for shaping our national identity and democratic values.
A truthful approach to our nation’s history challenges sanitized narratives that obscure the full spectrum of the American experience. By presenting a more nuanced account of our past, we can avoid:
- Overlooking the nation’s persistent struggle between democratic ideals and racial inequality,
- Portraying principles like “equality under the law” as inherent rights rather than hard-won victories, and
- Ignoring both historical and ongoing injustices, from Jim Crow laws to systemic racism in every American institution, including education.
Education as a Pillar of Democracy
This month, and every month, our education system has the opportunity to:
- Acknowledge past and present struggles: Recognizing the “incredible prejudice and hardship” that African Americans have faced, both historically and in contemporary society;
- Celebrate those from history who demanded a full reckoning with America’s racial legacy, and honor today’s scholars like Bettina Love, Zaretta Hammond, and our esteemed partner Sharif El-Mekki, who call us to serve all students with integrity; and
- Connect history to today’s issues: Examine how historical injustices to Black communities continue to shape disparities in areas such as law enforcement, education and economic opportunity.
The Future of Democracy
By embracing an inclusive and accurate portrayal of Black history in our education system, through culturally responsive and sustaining teaching, we lay the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable democracy. A truthful narrative:
- Fosters critical thinking and empathy among students,
- Equips future generations to confront and fix ongoing racial inequalities , and
- Strengthens our democratic institutions by developing a well-informed and engaged citizenry.
As we observe Black History Month in 2025, we recommit to the principles of education justice and the transformative power of community-engaged research. In doing so, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights and pave the way for a more inclusive and just future. Our nation’s progress depends on our ability to confront our past honestly and use that knowledge to shape a better tomorrow for all Americans.
In the words of Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week (the precursor to Black History Month), “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”