“The American dream belongs to all of us.”
Kamala Harris
Black History Month is every month. There’s Black history all around us, yet people refuse to acknowledge it. African Americans created items and resources we use daily, and not to mention, they built our country. As far as I’m concerned, Black history is American history. If it wasn’t for African American inventors, we wouldn’t have the three-way traffic light, blood banks and automatic elevators, just to name a few. Oh, do you enjoy going to the movies, especially 3D? 3D images and movies were created by Valerie Thomas, a former NASA physicist and researcher. Black History Month is important now more than ever because it’s being threatened. Not only is the month being threatened, but the history as well. Schools already weren’t doing a good job of teaching Black history, and now they want to misconstrue it and say that slavery was a choice. If slavery was a choice, there wouldn’t be a single person on the slave ship that arrived in 1619.
With the government wanting to tamper with American history, it is crucial I get my education so I understand my rights rather than someone else telling me what they believe my rights should be. It’s important to me that I get an education because my grandfather was denied his. I must fight for my education because my Dad wasn’t integrated until he was in the 10th grade, well after Brown v. Board passed. As I shared in my podcast “Texas vs. DEI,” systemic racism shouldn’t be a continuous cycle. We learn history so it doesn’t repeat itself, and yet it does.
Now, senator Brandon Creighton wants to create a bill that removes “special benefits” from students. Refusing to acknowledge that being white comes with the “special benefit” of privilege. I am here to say you can take away affirmative action, you can take away diversity, equity, and inclusion- but I’m still here, we’re still here.
I created “Texas vs. DEI” to shed light on the profound impact of eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion from universities — because it directly threatens the opportunities and representation of future generations from marginalized communities.
We spoke with other employees at The Drag to hear what Black History Month means to them, and why it’s important to highlight Black stories throughout the entire year.
Khiry Duffey
Producer and videographer at
The Drag Audio
“For nearly 50 years, Black History Month has been recognized as a time to acknowledge and highlight the vast contributions Black Americans have woven into the fabric of American society. For me, that means heeding the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Or Congressman John Lewis, who urged, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” It means ensuring that the dreams and aspirations envisioned for me by my ancestors — through their actions — are amplified by my own determination and pursuit of progress. As an essential element of American history, Black History Month allows us to honor the many pioneers whose work and advocacy paved the way for the freedoms we walk in today. Last summer, I had the opportunity to speak with two such pioneers for our Forsaken podcast: L. Clifford Davis and Floyd Moody. Through the 1955 Jackson v. Rawdon lawsuit, Clifford and Floyd helped establish a precedent for integrated schooling in North Texas—a momentum that echoed with the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, a year later. Telling these unique stories through The Drag is instrumental in sustaining the relevance of Black history, making this month-long observance an enlightening and insightful experience.”
Kiara Alves
Social media producer at The Drag Audio
“Black History Month is personal to me because it’s about honoring resilience, progress, and the sacrifices that shaped where we are today. My parents were born in Angola, went to college in the UK, and later came to the U.S. for work, carrying a deep ambition. Their journey reminds them of the determination that defines Black history. For me, this month is not just about looking back at the past but also about recognizing the present and shaping the future. It’s about celebrating the achievements of Black leaders, artists, and change makers while also acknowledging the everyday stories of perseverance within our communities. It reminds me of the importance of storytelling and how sharing our experiences inspires progress. Black History Month is also a call to action. It pushes me to use my voice, uplift others, and ensure that the contributions of Black people are recognized and valued year-round. It’s about taking the lessons of the past and using them to create a more inclusive future, not just for ourselves but for future generations.”
Mahlah Freeman
Host of “What It’s Like” and “McCombs Made” at The Drag Audio
“Black History Month to me means accountability and accountability means continuing celebrations outside of the 28 (and every four years) 29 days of the month. When people say “history” they think long long ago. But some of the “oldest” Black history was made almost 60-70 years ago the age some most people’s grandparents and some people’s parents. While a lot has changed since then the change hasn’t be super drastic and we can tell because Black People are still becoming the “first Black ___” even the 21st century. Black History Month is about recognizing that lots of Black history is fairly new, older Black history isn’t that old and taking accountability for the way we think about oppression and racism in all realms and honoring Black history all through the year.”
Terrance Thomas
Producer and host at The Drag Audio
“Celebrating Black History Month to me means honoring and preserving legacy while looking to the future. One thing my grandparents and my great-grandparents have instilled in me is that our generation is our ancestor’s wildest dreams. That is both a point of joy and also reflection and that’s what Black History Month should be about for everyone. It should be a point of joy celebrating the paths that were forged, the barriers that were broken, and the innovation that was spurred by those who came before us who didn’t have the same resources or opportunities as my friends and I. However, it should also be a point of reflection for our generation about how we plan to move the needle forward so that we can sustain and build upon that progress, not just for ourselves but for future generations.”
My colleagues and I share a common journey, driven by the legacy of our ancestors who inspire the work we do. At The Drag, we recognize that Black history isn’t just a month-long celebration — it’s a year-round commitment. My mission is to ensure we continue uplifting and honoring the Black trailblazers who paved the way in the media industry for generations to come.
