We can’t allow this to keep happening.No amount of white-washing or erasure will change our history

This Black History Month, let's call a thing a thing.

When Republicans and Trump attack DEI, wokeness, critical race theory, or “BLM” — what they really mean is Black.

It's anti-Blackness on steroids.

Instead of calling it what it is, they co-opt terms for programs and initiatives created to address discrimination and prejudice, or teach people our country’s full history. Their bigotry is thinly veiled but their intentions are clear: to target us and roll back decades of hard-won civil rights.

There’s nothing new about this tired playbook. For decades, Republicans have used racist dog whistles to stoke fear and keep Black people down. From Reagan’s claims about "welfare queens,” to Bush’s Willie Horton campaign ads, to Donald Trump calling urban cities cesspools and saying migrants were coming for “Black jobs.” We’ve seen it all before.

So, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the new targets of the year. I don’t have to tell you that DEI programs are deeply necessary to ensure our government works for everyone in America. For women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, veterans, those with disabilities, and rural and other underserved communities in this country, DEI programs are better for everyone and ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of our country.

This crackdown on DEI initiatives in the workplace, the right-wing takeover of our school boards and our classrooms to prevent educators from teaching America’s history, the banning of books written by Black authors – it’s all connected.

Republicans want to censor our history and ignore the systemic oppression of Black folks. But Black history is American history, and no amount of white-washing or erasure will change that.

This Black History Month, in the face of this administration and their attempts to take us backwards, we will continue to make space for our culture, our community, our history. Let’s say it loud and clear: They can’t erase Black joy.

This month is a celebration of those who came before us — the justice seekers, the freedom riders, the change makers, and the table shakers. Each and every person who packed a bagged lunch, vasalined an elbow, or sang a freedom song. It’s a celebration of our accomplishments and our ability to thrive even in the face of ongoing oppression. It’s a moment to proudly say that Black lives matter, Black health matters, Black wealth matters, Black babies and mamas matter. Black futures matter. And Black men deserve to grow old.

Right now we are the ones who are making Black history for our children. We are writing a love letter for the next generation. They will be the ones to carry us forward, and they will remember our resistance in this moment.

I will never stop working to achieve Black liberation, and I will continue to fight for justice for all. In honor of Black History Month, will you reaffirm your commitment to our movement for radical progress and equality with a contribution today?

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Together we will continue to fight for Black justice, opportunity, and liberation.

Onward,

Ayanna