White History vs American History: why there’s no “White History Month”

Growing up in predominantly white neighborhoods, white churches, homeschooled, and surrounded by other white homeschoolers, I have often heard the question which those who ask don’t seem to want to hear the answer: “If there’s a black history month, why don’t we have a white history month?”

On the surface, that may seem like an honest question — that is, without knowing much about America and the country’s past.

The problem with this question is that most people who ask it are not actually interested in the answer, but instead are simply attempting to make a point. The only times I have heard people make this statement is amongst other whites who feel the same way and only contribute to the ignorant mindset. What many are often oblivious to is the reality that whiteness has been the set “standard” or default in every area, industry and way of life in America for so long. Because of this default, the curriculum taught in American History classes throughout schools consist of white men and THEIR discoveries, achievements, or narratives. Furthermore, many of the most monumental feats discussed concerning American history are made up of white men being given the credit for what people of color have accomplished. 

Onesimus is one of far too many examples of a person of color whose achievements were accredited to a white person. From 1721 to 1722, a smallpox epidemic swept throughout Boston. Onesimus was a slave who told his master, Cotton Mather, about an age-old African medicine practice. What Africans had already been practicing was inoculation, which Onesimus introduced to Mather. By Onesimus’ sharing of knowledge and tradition, the groundwork was laid for further development of life-saving vaccinations. Yet, very rarely is Onesimus ever celebrated or even mentioned. The one who is most often given recognition in regards to this first step of development is Mather.

It wasn’t until the premier of the movie, Hidden Figures, that many people learned of the legendary African American women who used their exceptional gifts in mathematics and science to help NASA lead the Space Race. This is such an important, key piece concerning NASA in American history that is too often erased from the average classroom. 

Not only has there been an erasure of African American accomplishments, but the whitewashing of history, culture and society has been consistent. From incredible inventions to music that has impacted future generations, credit has been given to whites for so many things that African Americans created. Another example being the fact that many do not know that the song Elvis sang, “Hound Dog” was written and sung first by an African American woman who went by the name Big Mama Thornton.

Another form of whitewashing has been seen throughout entertainment, art, fashion and literature by creating the false notion that white or fair skin is equated with beauty or virtue. Because the majority of movies, television shows, magazines and books have displayed and promoted only white men and women, people of color have had to create their own channels, radio stations, beauty products, etc. They’ve had to create their own way and include the word “black” because mainstream society in America has been almost exclusively white. There are virtually no radio or television stations, products or things of that nature that include “white” in the name because whiteness has been the automatic assumption.

Unfortunately there are still many who do not care to research the very question they ignorantly ask. In some households, children are being raised under the impression that Black History month should not be observed by white people, even going so far as to view certain movements associated with civil rights as left-wing extremism. Organizations such as the Black Panther Party have often been seen as terrorists. Yet, if white Americans could experience not only the unjust treatment that African Americans felt, but also the help that the Black Panthers provided through food and necessities to help underprivileged families in the community send their children to school, perhaps many would realize their significance. 

So, the real question is not, “why do they have a month?” The real question is, “Why do they only have a mere month?” Black history is AMERICAN history; it should be celebrated, learned and taught about every single day. The narrative must change; the default of whiteness must be transferred to the standard of unity, equality and representation for all. 

Graphic by Micheal Yelton