People assume that because I’m a conservative, I think black history is irrelevant. Quite the contrary. I actually admire looking back at a time when black people thrived despite key injustices being hurled upon them. Before the 1960s, black Americans were credited with a number of successes in the arenas of philosophy, the arts and entertainment, and practical inventions. In addition, more black families were intact half a century ago than are intact today. So my wish is that the month of February serves as an ode to what actually worked for us.

Instead, Black History Month has turned into a ceremonial roast of white Americans. Large corporations and company brands pile on their guilt as they use this month to justify their own racism toward others. The television is plagued by “woke” narratives, as commercial after commercial and show after show seethe with anger toward anyone who is not a “person of color.”

Perhaps there’s a widespread misunderstanding of the meaning of the month-long observance. What was once about prestige is now about exacting punishment on people with different skin — a concept that would be widely rejected among blacks from a bygone era.

No longer is there discussion about moving the black community forward. Instead, black progressives are becoming the very thing they hate. Black power symbolism and black supremacy are surfacing, as socialites call themselves “kings” and “queens.” Churches are steeped in the ideology of race instead of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sadly, corporations are taking the bait, thinking that these notions are acceptable in the name of atonement for white guilt. And like Coca-Cola, these companies are receiving the backlash that is rightfully due. They forget that casting sweeping generalizations over their consumers can be rather costly. It’s not that cancel culture should be promoted, but we can’t be surprised when people no longer shop where they are not wanted. But I digress…

What’s saddening about Black History Month is how white leftists have made the month about their own neurotic desires. Instead of actually spending time in the black community, they pass laws they think will help the same black people they’ve yet to meet. Instead of actually hearing black voices, they speak on behalf of whole communities, suggesting the “solutions” they feel are right for them — resulting in more “family planning” clinics and non-governmental organizations that do nothing but worsen the state of underserved black families. Where’s the “black power” in that?

Rather, Americans should be seeing how far this country has come in racial reconciliation. We should be promoting policies that encourage healthy families, school choice, and free enterprise and capitalism among black Americans — the same as for Americans of all backgrounds. Ultimately, the month should be a testament to true progress in race relations found nowhere else in the world. Removing Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben from packaging can’t do that.