Articulated Insight – News, Race and Culture in the Information Age
Opinion: Why Black History Month Matters More Than Ever in Shaping America’s Future
Black History Month will be celebrated in the United States, regardless of political opinions. Black people do not need or want external approval or validation. That is the insidious and arrogant nature of white supremacy and white privilege. The deliberate erasure of Black history in the United States is not new. However, recent political actions have amplified this troubling trend.
Some political efforts aim to stop the celebration of Black History Month. They also weaponize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, framing them as obstacles to American achievement. This represents a broader attempt to rewrite history by marginalizing the role of Black Americans in shaping the nation. This erasure discounts the genius, resilience, and innovation of Black individuals. It also perpetuates a false narrative that undermines the very foundation of American progress.
Black history is American history. The labor of enslaved Africans built the nation’s economy. The intellectual and cultural contributions of Black people have enriched its identity. These contributions are inseparable from the story of the United States. Yet, efforts to erase them stem from a desire to maintain power structures that thrive on exclusion and misinformation. By eliminating the celebration of Black History Month, these actions send a message that Black excellence is not worthy of recognition.
The weaponization of DEI initiatives makes this erasure worse. DEI programs aim to create equitable opportunities for marginalized groups. They ensure that historically silenced voices are heard and valued. Framing these initiatives as barriers to progress ignores reality: diversity drives innovation and excellence. The contributions of Black Americans, people of color, and women have been instrumental in propelling the United States forward. History is full of examples, from George Washington Carver’s agricultural advancements to Katherine Johnson’s critical calculations for NASA’s space missions. Inclusion fosters achievement.
The narrative that DEI hinders progress is both false and dangerous. It seeks to pit groups against one another and foster division instead of unity. The truth is that America’s greatest achievements have been collaborative efforts. They drew on the talents and perspectives of diverse individuals. To deny this is to deny the essence of what makes America strong.
Erasure also has a psychological toll. Discounting the contributions of Black Americans sends a damaging message to younger generations. It suggests their history is not worth celebrating and their potential is not valued. This erasure perpetuates inequality by denying children role models who reflect their identities and by distorting the historical narrative taught in schools.
To address this, we must actively resist attempts to rewrite history. We must not only preserve Black History Month but expand it as an integral part of American education and culture. We must champion DEI initiatives as tools for building a stronger, more inclusive society. Most importantly, we must acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans year-round—not as an exception, but as a fundamental part of the American story.
The erasure of Black contributions is an affront to truth and progress. It discredits the genius of Black Americans while ignoring that diversity fuels innovation. To move forward, we must confront these efforts head-on. We must embrace an inclusive narrative that honors the profound impact of Black people, people of color, and women on America’s past, present, and future. Only then can we truly claim to be a nation that values justice, equality, and progress for all.
While the acronym D.E.I. stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, my beautiful, Black, boldness equates D.E.I. as “Don’t Ever Interrupt!” I know some political figures may not have grown up with the Black home training that many of us have. We learned as children that when grown adults are speaking, excelling, and transforming the spaces where we work, learn, live, and love—don’t ever interrupt. Black History Month is 28 days. It’s a small sample of how Black people celebrate and pass on our brilliance, ingenuity, and tenacity to not just survive but thrive.
As bad as our current situation may seem, our ancestors contended with far worse. If you do anything during Black History Month 2025, please remember that you are a child of God and a child of your ancestors. Remember who you are. With that, face your adversaries who dare to deny your diversity, equality, and inclusion. Tell them to “take a seat” and “Don’t Ever Interrupt” you!
About Dr. Maurice Nutt
Maurice Joseph Nutt, D.Min., is a highly educated and accomplished consultant, motivational speaker, author, professor, and spiritual director based in St. Louis, Missouri. His extensive academic credentials include a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology and additional certifications from institutions such as Harvard University and the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction. His professional career spans decades with expertise in preaching, evangelization, and spiritual care, holding leadership roles in numerous organizations such as the New Frontiers in Preaching Academy and Copiosa Care, where he currently serves as a spiritual director. Additionally, he has been deeply involved in both parish ministry and academic teaching, particularly in preaching and Black Catholic studies.
Dr. Nutt is a recognized leader and advocate in the National Black Catholic community, contributing to various boards, initiatives, and councils addressing social, spiritual, and cultural issues. His numerous awards honor his leadership and humanitarian impact, including his historic milestone of being the first African American to earn a Catholic doctorate in preaching. Known for his engaging preaching style and notable speaking engagements, he has delivered sermons at influential events, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Services and other nationally recognized forums. Alongside his work in preaching, spiritual direction, and teaching, Dr. Nutt also provides counseling and guidance as part of the Copiosa Care ministry, which focuses on diverse emotional and spiritual challenges within communities.
#BlackHistoryMonth #DiverseFuture #CulturalInclusion
