Why Gatekeeping Black History Month is a Trap
The "Foundational Black American" debate is breaking my heart.
I’m nervous to write this one. I can’t believe this is a topic that we are discussing during Black History Month in the year of our Lord, 2026—and on Beyoncé’s internet, no less—but here we are.For some reason, there is a new idea that has emerged this year that states that Black History Month is only for “Foundational Black Americans.”
Whatever that means.
Perhaps you’ve seen this debate circulating your Threads timeline. Maybe you’re lucky your algorithm has protected you from the foolishness. Unfortunately, mine hasn't. Somehow, I’ve found myself smack dab in the middle of this conversation and it has disturbed my spirit ever since. I’ve never experienced something so divisive and so antithetical to the very spirit and celebration of Black History Month and our beautiful Black diaspora.
When Black History Month Gets Gate-kept
I’ll be honest—I don’t have a full understanding of this argument, but according to some people on the internet, Black History Month’s original intent was the highlight and center the history and contributions of Foundational Black Americans, or in other words, Black Americans whose ancestors arrived on U.S. soil when captured for enslavement. Apparently, Black History Month is not for Black Americans whose ancestors were brought to either Central or South America for enslavement before migrating to the United States post-enslavement. In their mind, Black History Month should not center any person who has made contributions to United States history if they, or their ancestors, “originated” from countries outside of the United States. This also includes Africans who may have immigrated here post enslavement.
To them, it doesn’t matter that once you arrive on this soil, America considers you a Negro. It doesn’t matter that America’s definition of Black has always been anyone with a majority, or near-majority, African ancestry/DNA regardless of ethnicity. It doesn’t matter that a significant number of our heroes in Black History who have paved the way for so many others were children of Black immigrants, but assimilated into Black American culture all the same. It doesn’t matter that other immigrant communities consider themselves Americans once they’ve immigrated. Supposedly, members of the Black diaspora with ancestry outside of the United States are no longer included in Black History Month celebrations because they aren’t “Black American.”
“They have their own month,” they say.
”Caribbean Heritage Month exists. They can celebrate then,” they say.
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