Black History

COMMENTARY: Black history can be uncomfortable for some

NASHVILLE PRIDE — While this month is Black History Month, let’s not forget that there is a lot of history that occurred in this country that makes some people both Black and White uncomfortable.

Published

7 years ago

February 8, 2019

Oakland Post

By William T. Robinson, Jr.

While this month is Black History Month, let’s not forget that there is a lot of history that occurred in this country that makes some people both Black and White uncomfortable. The question some are asking is this: Is it appropriate to dilute certain segments or make others more palatable for those learning Black history and still retain historical accuracy? There are some Whites who feel that Black history in America is so horrific and embarrassing that it will make their White children feel ashamed. One must understand that the majority of teachers in this country are White, and you find some who are very uncomfortable teaching Black history—even to the point of trying to teach very little or ignore it altogether, if possible.

Make no mistake that in public and private schools, it is an unwritten law that you don’t do anything that makes White children feel uncomfortable about American history—although it seems acceptable for African Americans and children of color to walk around with low self-esteem resulting in self-hatred. This is all the more reason that our youth (especially African American youth) learn the accomplishments and achievements of people who look like them. They need to understand about the fear and hate existing in those who blatantly and surreptitiously seek to oppress African Americans.

It is paramount that we all should know the Black history encompassing the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans. There is more to our heritage than the tumultuous, demeaning and dehumanizing period of African Americans subjected to slavery, Jim Crow, Black Codes and other forms of discrimination, injustice or equality. A true understanding of Black history in America will make one more knowledgeable of the institutional and systemic racism and discrimination so much a part of our country. We will have a better understanding of the prevailing undercurrent constantly at work trying to relegate African Americans and people of color to second-class status as citizens.

In this climate of racial tension incited by our current president, acknowledging Black history can be pivotal in understanding the role of racism and bigotry shared by a segment of our population longing for the days of yesteryear. Rationalize however you must, but most Africans Americans find it offensive, likening ‘Make America Great Again’ to the days of slavery and blatant White supremacy. A true teaching of Black history can help undo all the lies proliferated by those seeking to trivialize and oppress Blacks.

Black history should be told honestly and truthfully to dismiss the lies and stereotypes perpetuated by those seeking to oppress African Americans by trivializing their worth, intelligence, and achievements. Regardless of how one may feel about history, it happened and you cannot take it back: good or bad. However, African American history can be used as a learning tool, studying mistakes, making possible corrections so that we may go forward in a positive and productive manner.

We owe it to our youth to expose them to the truth with the hope that they will make an unadulterated attempt to undo or correct the ills of their forefathers. Deceiving people does no good but only helps in the continuance of ill-willed and self-serving groups in perpetuating their nefarious agendas.

We must also be mindful that the monumental accomplishments and achievements of African Americans aren’t lessened by the years of slavery and injustice rendered upon Blacks in America. Knowing the truth should give the world a greater appreciation of an intelligent, loving, beautiful, and resilient people.

This article originally appeared in the Nashville Pride.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 6 – 12, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of may 6 – 12, 2026

Published

4 days ago

May 10, 2026

Oakland Post

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On the Frontlines of Hate: NAACP Links Victims to Critical Support

The NAACP CA/HI has a long and well-established record of supporting victims of discrimination and hate crimes — providing critical referrals and, when necessary, direct assistance through legal advocacy and other forms of support. Beyond responding to incidents, the organization continues to advocate on broader civil rights issues, including voting rights and legal protections. It has also worked to counter efforts at the state and federal levels that could weaken the voting power of communities of color.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2026

Oakland Post

NAACP members at a recent advocacy day in Sacramento urging lawmakers to protect voting rights. Photo courtesy of California Black Media.

By Joe Kocurek
California Black Media

The California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP (CA/HI NAACP) has expanded its efforts to respond to rising hate incidents and civil rights complaints across California, supported in part by funding from California’s Stop the Hate Program

Through that grant, NAACP CA/HI has strengthened its ability to connect individuals experiencing hate or discrimination with critical resources. This includes referring those who file complaints to the CA vs Hate hotline, a statewide, non-emergency hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal created to help counter a more than 50% increase in reported hate crimes in California between 2020 and 2024. The system helps ensure incidents are documented, and victims are guided toward appropriate support.

LaJuana Bivens says the work of NAACP is as urgent as ever. Photo by Regina Wilson, California Black Media.

LaJuana Bivens, who has served in a number of roles within the NAACP, said California has seen an increase in civil rights violations and hate-related incidents.

“We have 52 branches, and they are constantly receiving complaints,” she said. “So, without the Stop the Hate, we would not be able to refer those cases up to attorneys at the state level. A lot of the people would not have had an opportunity to be heard.”

Carmen-Nicole Cox helps survivors of hate with their legal options. Photo courtesy of Carmen-Nicole Cox.

Carmen-Nicole Cox, an attorney who works with NAACP CA/HI – as a part of California’s Stop the Hate Program – provides legal consultation to victims of hate incidents and discrimination through her legal practice, the Cox Firm for Law and Policy.

She said the complaints she receives span a wide range of issues.

“People are having home builders and landlords refusing to provide repairs, a student was denied promotion in an academic program, and targeted scrutiny at work,” she said. “It’s typically employment; it’s housing; it’s education.

“We’ll meet and they’ll share their experiences,” she said. “And then I make assessments about possible legal claims.”

According to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), nearly 1,200 reports of hate against minority groups were submitted in 2024 through the CA vs Hate hotline and online portal for non-emergency incidents.

While the California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP, which has tens of thousands of members, does not directly investigate hate incidents or crimes, it plays a key role in connecting victims to the state’s reporting systems and support services.

Beyond responding to incidents, the organization continues to advocate on broader civil rights issues, including voting rights and legal protections. It has also worked to counter efforts at the state and federal levels that could weaken the voting power of communities of color.

Bivens recently traveled to Sacramento to speak with state lawmakers about voting rights during an advocacy day event hosted by the organization.

“It’s just so hard for communities of color to be up to date because of all of the confusing information coming from the federal level,” she said. “I love our great state of California because here it is possible to vote by mail and to vote early.

“And I’m seeing that trying to be eroded. So, I’m here to urge continued support for vote by mail and early voting.”

When Texas moved to redraw congressional districts in ways critics said would dilute minority voting strength, NAACP CA/HI supported the passage of Proposition 50 in California. The organization also intervened in United States v. Shirley Weber, where federal officials sought access to unredacted California voter records, including Social Security numbers, raising concerns about misuse and voter intimidation.

Cultivating the advocacy and leaderships of young people is central to NAACP’s mission to fight racism and dismantle inequality. Photo courtesy of California Black Media.

A federal district court dismissed that case in January 2026.

The organization’s current work builds on a long history of civil rights advocacy. Today, Bivens says, the organization’s mission remains as urgent as ever.

“We are the oldest, boldest, most feared Civil Rights organization,” Bivens said. “What we do every day is fight for better housing, education, economic development and political inclusion. We take it on because there are just so many people who need that support.

“You would be amazed that our phones ring every single day.”

Get Support After Hate:

California vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hotline and online portal offering confidential support for hate crimes and incidents. Victims and witnesses can get help anonymously by calling 833-8-NO-HATE (833-866-4283), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. PT, or online at any time. Anonymous. Confidential. No Police. No ICE.

This story was produced in partnership with CA vs Hate. Join them for the first-ever CA Civil Rights Summit on May 11. More information at www.cavshate.org/summit.

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