Black History Month 2025 is ON!!

Despite the political climate, Wonderland Pediatrics will still be celebrating Black History Month! It is our belief that Black History Month should be fully integrated into American History as Black Americans have contributed greatly to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

Celebrating the integral role of Black history in shaping American history.

. This year I will post a series of articles that I hope will inform and inspire all of you to continue on the path of excellence that has been laid for us all.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is Labor. Labor essentially means work. The labor of Black Americans started as stolen labor. White European settlers initially used the labor of poor Europeans - as indentured servants - to satisfy the labor needs of the first North American colonies. That is, until 1619 when a Dutch ship brought 20 Africans to the shore of Jamestown, Virginia. It is estimated that 6-7 million enslaved people were brought to America during the 18th century alone, depriving Africa of its most valuable resource - its healthy and able bodied men and women. Congress outlawed newly enslaved people in 1808, but the enslaved population in the US nearly tripled over the next 50 years. 

Reconstruction

After the Civil War, Reconstruction came and in the early years of this era most Black Americans living in rural areas were left without land and forced to work as laborers on large white-owned farms and plantations in order to make a living. To regulate the labor force and reassert white supremacy in the South, the southern government passed laws that became known as the Black codes. The Black codes forced formerly enslaved people to sign yearly labor contracts to be arrested and jailed for vagrancy. 

The Black codes were strongly resisted and resulted in the passage of the Reconstruction Acts in 1867. During this period, the 14th and 15th Amendments were passed. These Amendments granted Black Americans the right to vote and equality of citizenship. 

Sharecropping

Despite the citizenship of Black Americans, the federal government did little to help freed Black Americans own their own land. Instead, they started the sharecropper system. This system was used by Black and White Americans. In fact, about two-thirds of sharecroppers were white. 

Organized Labor 

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black workers faced significant discrimination and exclusion from mainstream unions, prompting the formation of their own labor organizations. Notably, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, founded in 1925, became a  prominent example of Black labor activism, challenging both racial and economic injustices. 

Congress of Industrial Organizations 

Black Americans played a vital role in the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), significantly influencing its policies and practices. They became active members and leaders within various unions, advocating for racial equality and better working conditions in industries where they were often marginalized. The CIO's commitment to inclusivity allowed for the emergence of prominent Black labor leaders, such as A. Philip Randolph, who pushed for civil rights alongside labor rights. This collaboration between Black workers and the CIO not only advanced labor movements but also helped to integrate the broader civil rights movement, highlighting the interconnections between racial and economic justice.

The Nation’s Defense

During World War I, Black Americans served in various capacities, including as soldiers in segregated units, such as the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," who earned accolades for their bravery. Their participation highlighted the contradictions of fighting for democracy abroad while facing racial discrimination at home, leading to increased activism for civil rights. In World War II, more than a million Black Americans served in the armed forces, with some breaking barriers in roles previously denied to them, such as pilots in the Tuskegee Airmen. The war also spurred the Double V Campaign, advocating for victory against fascism abroad and racial injustice at home, setting the stage for the post-war civil rights movement

Professionals

Over the decades, Black Americans have made significant strides in professional careers due to increased access to education and the civil rights movement's advocacy for equality. Legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, helped dismantle discriminatory practices that restricted their opportunities in fields like teaching, law, and medicine. Mentorship programs and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity have also played a crucial role in supporting Black professionals as they navigate their careers. Today, Black Americans are increasingly visible in leadership positions across various professions, contributing to a more diverse workforce and challenging traditional barriers to entry.

Entrepreneurship

The rise of Black Americans as business owners has been fueled by a combination of historical resilience, community support, and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.  Entrepreneurship can help Black Americans thrive by providing avenues for economic empowerment and wealth building, allowing them to create and control their own businesses. This independence fosters job creation within communities, leading to improved local economies and reduced unemployment rates. Additionally, successful Black-owned businesses can serve as role models, inspiring future generations to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and break cycles of poverty. By promoting innovation and offering unique products and services, Black entrepreneurs can also enhance cultural representation and diversity in the marketplace. Ultimately, entrepreneurship not only strengthens individual financial stability but also contributes to the broader goal of racial equity and social justice.