The Selective Memory of History: Erasing, Rewriting, and the Guilt That Lingers in the Erasure of Black History

At some point, when the undeniable horrors of slavery became too much to face, erasure became a convenient solution. The forced displacement of Black people from their homelands and the brutality of the plantations were only the beginning. What followed was a calculated transformation of oppression, one that extended far beyond physical bondage. The medical experimentation on Black bodies, the grotesque use of their hair to stuff furniture, and the relentless violence against Black communities became the new tools of subjugation. These atrocities weren’t just historical footnotes; their impact continues to shape the world we live in today.

Even after physical chains were broken, new forms of restriction emerged: Jim Crow laws, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, redlining, mass incarceration, and countless systemic barriers. Slavery didn’t end; it adapted, morphing into economic, political, and psychological oppression. If today’s world has shown us anything, it’s that history isn’t just something we look back on, it’s something we are still living through.

To this day, I know of white grandmothers who keep mammy figurines and other relics of racial caricature in their homes, claiming acceptance and open-mindedness. But the shift in their tone when they speak about Black people, the subtle changes in their gaze, and the microaggressions they let slip tell a different story. I understand the hesitation in admitting to your grandchild that you once lied about a Black person, refused to give up your seat for them, or harbored hatred toward a neighbor solely because of the color of their skin. After all, today’s generation would likely recoil in disgust, perhaps even cut ties. So instead, history gets sanitized, tucked away in black-and-white photos, to further isolate and distance it.

Meanwhile, Black families don’t have the privilege of erasure. The echoes of history follow us daily: through microaggressions, systemic barriers, and generational trauma. Conversations about race aren’t a choice in Black households; over time, they have become a rite of passage. Parents must teach their children that their skin color often precedes them, that the texture and style of their hair can influence how they are treated in schools, workplaces, and beyond. They must prepare them for encounters with law enforcement and instill a deep understanding of their roots, history, and the power they hold to challenge the status quo.

But these conversations aren’t solely rooted in struggle, they also celebrate resilience. Black culture is the foundation of so much of what the world admires, even as it continues to be appropriated or erased. The truth is, despite centuries of attempts to enslave, displace, and oppress, Black people have remained creators, innovators, and leaders, shaping the world in ways that cannot be ignored.

This is a message to white people, and anyone who deems themselves better than:

While these conversations may be absent in your homes, they are ever-present in ours. Ignoring history doesn’t absolve you of its impact. Instead, it creates a psychological loop of denial, entitlement, and unresolved guilt. White America often struggles to reconcile the systems they’ve benefited from because acknowledging privilege means confronting uncomfortable truths. But growth doesn’t come without discomfort.

It’s disheartening to witness people cling to “better times,” not because of nostalgia, but because they refuse to admit that the comforts they enjoy are rooted in the exploitation of others. America was built on the backs of Black people, no amount of historical revisionism can change that. You might erase us from textbooks or whitewash our contributions in media, but our presence is woven into the very fabric of this country.

I understand that it’s difficult to confront the past, especially when it implicates your family or community. But that discomfort is necessary. It forces self-reflection. It compels you to ask: Why did my ancestors engage in racist or discriminatory behavior? And more importantly, How can I break that cycle?

I know it’s hard to admit that everything you have, the appliances in your homes, the music you listen to, the way you speak, the way you dress, all come from Black people. It’s hard for anyone to admit, let alone the fact that Black people were brought here to be oppressed. That was something I’m sure no white person wanting to keep slavery alive or maintain fear-based control wants to acknowledge. But just like any AA meeting, it all starts with confession.

Racism isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living, breathing system reinforced in homes, schools, and institutions. Refusing to acknowledge your privilege or failing to educate your children about it contributes to a society that remains fractured. If you want to be on the right side of history, start by having those hard conversations with your children, with your elders, and most importantly, with yourself.

Personal rambling

The root of this disconnection lies in shame and guilt, maybe a little bit of ego? Yet, it’s deeper than that it’s embedded in the DNA of societal norms, in the fabric of communities, and in the quiet complacency passed down through generations. When the world decided that darker skin was inferior, we lost the plot as a collective humanity, as spiritual beings navigating an earthly experience. Everyday we are still living in history.. While technological advancements have propelled us forward, as a human race, we seem to be years behind in empathy, in valuing others, and in striving to understand the mental health crisis that we ourselves have created. The gaps in understanding, compassion, and acknowledgment are glaring, not just in the U.S., but globally.

Books to Deepen Your Understanding:

If you’re looking to expand your understanding of these topics, here are some powerful reads:

• "Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram X. Kendi – A deep dive into the history of racist ideas in America.

• "White Rage" by Carol Anderson – Explores how systemic racism has shaped American policies.

• "The Half Has Never Been Told" by Edward E. Baptist – Details how slavery fueled America’s economic growth.

• "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo – Discusses why it’s challenging for white people to talk about race.

• "Me and White Supremacy" by Layla F. Saad – A guide to self-reflection on complicity in systemic racism.

• "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates – A heartfelt letter about the Black experience in America.

• "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin – A classic on race relations and societal change.

• "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde – Essays exploring race, sexuality, and intersectionality.

• "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander – Examines mass incarceration as a form of racial control.

• "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi – Encourages active participation in dismantling racism.

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These books challenge, educate, and inspire. They remind us that while history can be distorted, the truth is always there for those willing to seek it.

PS: This blog was written at the height of my frustration with Black-led programs, jobs, and countless other initiatives and infrastructures that are meant to create equity for Black people across the United States but often fall short or get caught in cycles that miss the mark.

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