Black History Is American History, Say Project 21 Members
Civil rights leaders fought for equal opportunity, not equal outcomes, the group believes.
February 1, 2023
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“Over the last year, the national debate has focused far more on the interests of the green and woke warriors rather than the kitchen table issues like job creation and lower energy costs,” said Donna Jackson, director of membership for Project 21. “As we celebrate Black History Month, we should hold our leaders accountable for embracing policies that prevent Black Americans — all too often those on the bottom rung of the socio-economic ladder — from ascending to the middle class and above.”
“Black history celebrates events from our storied past. But I believe we must also look at the moments we did not bask in the brightest light,” said Martin Baker, a Project 21 ambassador and co-founder of Move On Up, a Black conservative organization. “We must address the things that have brought shame to our culture, and then highlight the ways we have overcome them and continue to add to the legacy of Black America. We cannot allow our history to be rewritten with initiatives like the ‘1619 Project’ or critical race theory. We stand at a vital time to show Black Americans that Black history — the good and the bad — is American history.”
“This February, we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the many incredible accomplishments of African Americans. Sadly, this year’s theme from the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) focuses on ‘Black Resistance,'” said Melanie Collette, a Project 21 ambassador Money Talk with Melanie. ”Rather than a celebration of true strength borne out by resistance over a centuries-long struggle against violence, segregation and discrimination, this theme serves as an unfortunate backdrop that detracts from how far we have come since the early days of America when such oppression was commonplace. Our nation’s promising future is being threatened by those with a hateful agenda who weave critical race theory into our K-12 curriculum and spread historically distorted facts through the ‘1619 Project.’ We must stand together to protect both our present and upcoming generations from their divisive tactics.”
“We went from being owned as someone’s property to the Harlem Renaissance in a 50-year span,” said Patrina Mosley, a Project 21 ambassador and founder and principal of PPM Consulting. “From the civil rights era of the ‘60s to our middle-class prosperity in the ‘80s to having Black billionaires today, I see Black history as an amazing story of triumph and perseverance when given equal opportunity. The lesson to learn from our history — America’s history — is to not set winners and losers with faux equal outcomes, but to set the atmosphere for freedom and for equal opportunity for all.”
“The Black American experience is a story about triumph, success and liberation. Conversations during Black History Month can include more than slavery and a handful of milquetoast statements cherry-picked from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speeches,” said Adrian Norman, a Project 21 ambassador and freelance writer. “There is a rich history to be told, which ultimately connects all of us in some way. Black history is indeed American history. And this month should be a time to reflect on how America has moved closer to the lofty principles embedded in its founding and to embrace unity rather than sow division.”
“Black history is American history. It is no more or less important than the remembrance of all those who have made this nation so great,” said Mike Hill, a Project 21 ambassador, insurance agent and former member of the Florida House of Representatives. “From the native inhabitants to all those who immigrated from every continent on this earth seeking freedom and opportunity, this land was made for us all. Let’s study American history year-round and celebrate all of our contributions and achievements as a unified nation.”
“We honor and pay tribute to the countless Black leaders, activists and pioneers who have shaped our country and continue to inspire us today,” said James W. Jackson, a Project 21 ambassador and lead paster of the Fervent Prayer Church in Indianapolis. “Their contributions and sacrifices should serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Let us all take time to reflect on the richness of Black history, culture and traditions, and work toward creating a world that is truly just and equitable for all.”
“We honor and pay tribute to the countless Black leaders, activists and pioneers who have shaped our country and continue to inspire us today,” said James W. Jackson, a Project 21 ambassador and lead paster of the Fervent Prayer Church in Indianapolis. “Their contributions and sacrifices should serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Let us all take time to reflect on the richness of Black history, culture and traditions, and work toward creating a world that is truly just and equitable for all.”
At the beginning of our nation’s month-long annual celebration of more than 400 years of Black influence upon American history, members of the Project 21 Black leadership network reflect on the tremendous strides made in civil rights. Still, despite these advances, government-imposed regulations still often stand in the way of their ability for Black citizens to fully realize the American dream.
As government regulations need reform, there is also much work to be done in the community due to growing concern over the way the vibrant history of Blacks in America is currently portrayed, the group says.
Project 21, a leading voice of Black conservatives for more than 25 years, is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a nonpartisan, free market, independent conservative think tank.
Scroll through the slideshow above to see what Project 21 members had to say.
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