As February unfurls, the air fills with the familiar, vital energy of Black History Month. Across the nation, schools, institutions, and media outlets rightly amplify the stories of trailblazers, civil rights heroes, and cultural icons who have shaped American history. This annual observance is crucial, a necessary act of remembrance and celebration, ensuring that the profound contributions of Black Americans are acknowledged and honored.
However, as I reflect on this important month, a persistent question rises in my mind, casting a subtle shadow over the celebration: This Black History Month, let’s talk about who often gets left out. For all the well-deserved recognition given to prominent figures, there’s a troubling tendency in mainstream narratives to overlook, sideline, or outright erase the contributions and experiences of individuals at the intersections of identity—particularly Black LGBTQ+ people, disabled Black activists, and Black trans pioneers. This erasure is not just an oversight; it’s a profound disservice, rendering invisible the rich, complex tapestry of Black experience and the multifaceted nature of liberation struggles.
The Problem of Singular Narratives: When the Spotlight Narrows
Mainstream Black History Month celebrations, while important, often prioritize a singular, often palatable, narrative. It tends to focus on figures who fit neatly into a pre-defined mold of heroism: cisgender, heterosexual, often male, and whose activism is framed primarily within racial lines, separate from other aspects of their identity. This approach, while elevating crucial figures, inadvertently marginalizes those whose identities are more complex, whose contributions defy simple categorization. It creates an incomplete picture of Black history, like viewing only a small portion of a vast, vibrant landscape.
This narrowing of the lens leads to significant exclusions:
- Black LGBTQ+ People: Too often, the queer identities of Black historical figures are either completely omitted or subtly downplayed, especially if they lived in eras less accepting of their sexuality or gender identity. Their contributions to civil rights, arts, and culture are acknowledged, but their queer lives are erased. This silences a vital segment of Black experience and denies Black LGBTQ+ individuals the powerful affirmation of seeing themselves in history.
- Disabled Black Activists: The intersection of race and disability is frequently overlooked. Black activists and leaders who also navigated disabilities, visible or invisible, often have their full stories minimized, denying their unique challenges and contributions to both disability rights and racial justice movements.
- Black Trans Pioneers: Black transgender individuals have always been at the forefront of queer liberation and civil rights, often facing compounding layers of prejudice. Yet, their stories are disproportionately excluded from both mainstream Black history and even much of mainstream LGBTQ+ history. Their revolutionary acts, their sheer resilience, and their profound impact are rendered largely invisible.
This selective telling of history is dangerous. It perpetuates a false narrative, implying that only certain types of Black lives are worthy of remembrance, and that intersectional identities are somehow secondary or less significant. It denies current generations the full spectrum of role models and the empowering truth that Black identity has always been diverse and multifaceted.
Illuminating the Unseen Constellations: Names We Must Uplift
This Black History Month, and every month, it is imperative that we actively seek out and celebrate the stories of those who have been marginalized within marginalized groups. Their struggles, their brilliance, and their resilience are vital threads in the tapestry of Black history and American history as a whole. Here are just a few names whose light deserves far wider recognition:
- Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992): A Black transgender woman and self-identified drag queen, Marsha P. Johnson was a fearless advocate for gay and trans rights, a pivotal figure in the Stonewall Uprising, and a co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries). Her radical activism, her tireless work supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth, and her unapologetic joy in the face of immense discrimination make her an undeniable pioneer whose story must be central to both Black and queer history. She literally fought for space for her community to exist.
- Bayard Rustin (1912-1987): A brilliant strategist and tireless activist, Bayard Rustin was a key architect of the Civil Rights Movement, advising Martin Luther King Jr. and organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He was a leading advocate for nonviolent resistance and racial equality. Yet, his identity as an openly gay Black man often led to his marginalization by some within the movement, highlighting the complex internal biases that existed. His contributions were immense, despite being forced to operate from the shadows due to pervasive homophobia.
- Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (b. 1940): A Black transgender elder and activist who was also a veteran of the Stonewall Uprising, Miss Major has dedicated her life to advocating for transgender women of color caught in the criminal justice system. Her unwavering fight for the most marginalized within the trans community makes her a living legend whose resilience and wisdom are invaluable.
- Audre Lorde (1934-1992): A self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde’s fierce intellect and powerful writing explored the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability. Her work provided crucial theoretical frameworks for understanding intersectionality and called for radical self-acceptance and political action. Her voice remains a potent guide for those navigating multiple marginalized identities.
- Barbara Jordan (1936-1996): A trailblazing politician and orator, Barbara Jordan was the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first Southern Black woman elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives. While she was not openly out during her public life, her close relationship with her lifelong companion, Nancy Earl, was well-known to those in her circle. Her powerful voice, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her groundbreaking political career (including her role in the Watergate hearings) make her an icon whose full identity deserves recognition. - Stacey Park Milbern (1987-2020): A queer, Korean American and white activist who was a pivotal leader in the disability justice movement, contributing significantly to both racial justice and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her work emphasized intersectionality and the need for inclusive, accessible communities for all.
Beyond the Month: Cultivating a Full Spectrum of Acknowledgment
Black History Month is a crucial time to spotlight the richness of Black experience. But if we truly want to honor the depth and breadth of this history, we must move beyond limited, palatable narratives. We must commit to:
- Embracing Intersectionality: Understanding that identities are layered and that individuals exist at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability. Black history is not monolithic; it is a vibrant, complex tapestry.
- Actively Seeking Out Overlooked Stories: This requires intentional effort. Read books by Black LGBTQ+ authors, seek out documentaries about disabled Black activists, listen to podcasts that highlight trans pioneers. Expand your own knowledge beyond the widely publicized figures.
- Demanding Broader Representation: Push for media, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to consistently include these intersectional stories in their year-round programming, not just during designated months.
- Connecting History to Present-Day Struggles: Recognize that the fight for justice continues. The battles fought by Marsha P. Johnson and Bayard Rustin are directly connected to the anti-trans legislation and threats to LGBTQ+ rights we face today.
This Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the towering figures we all know but also commit to illuminating the unseen constellations—the brave, brilliant, and often marginalized individuals who have always been at the forefront of liberation, but whose full stories have yet to receive the wide recognition they profoundly deserve. Their light, their resilience, and their multifaceted contributions are essential for understanding the full, radiant spectrum of Black history.