Black History Is American History — Honor the Sacrifice. Reject the Excuses.

By Dr. Brenda J. Thiam | Guest Commentary

Celebrating Black History Month is a time to intentionally honor the contributions of Black Americans and recognize how those contributions have strengthened and shaped our country. Some argue that Black history should not be confined to the shortest month on the calendar. Indeed, Black history is not owned by a month. It cannot be restricted to twenty-eight days of the year—twenty-nine in a leap year. Black history is an American story of strength, faith, and determination, and it deserves to be shared year-round.

The freedoms we enjoy today came at a heavy cost. They were purchased through sacrifice, strengthened by faith, and secured by courage. Those sacrifices paved the way for future generations to walk a path toward liberty and self-determination. Our forefathers demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of oppression. From the cotton fields that held our ancestors in bondage to the promise of freedom and opportunity, they persevered while honoring Almighty God and trusting that His mercy endures forever.

Families held fast to the belief that future generations would one day be free—not only from the physical chains of slavery, but from the mental and spiritual chains that sought to bind them. The sacrifices made long before us must never be forgotten or taken for granted. They must serve as a steppingstone, propelling future generations toward the greatness that awaits them.

Those sacrifices must also never be manipulated into a crutch that leads us down Victimhood Street, running parallel to I Can’t Do It Avenue. Victimhood does not belong in the room when the road ahead seems difficult. Black Americans have the capacity to achieve extraordinary things. We must not hide behind excuses, “what-ifs,” or self-imposed limitations. Too many have gone before us and fought the good fight for freedom, prosperity, and opportunity. The least we can do to honor them is to engage in productive community involvement that contributes to the greater good of our nation.

The Douglass Leadership Institute (DLI) plays an important role in advancing these principles within the Black community. Grounded in the work and legacy of Frederick Douglass, DLI emphasizes strengthening families, expanding economic opportunity, and supporting educational choice for school-aged children. These pillars foster a movement rooted in responsibility, self-determination, and human dignity.

Frederick Douglass himself escaped slavery and rose to become one of the most respected abolitionists and statesmen in American history. He was admired for his intellect, discipline, loyalty to family, and unwavering belief in freedom. He famously said, “People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.” There is profound truth in those words. There is value in earning what is yours, in building something through hard work rather than expecting it to be handed to you.

Those who came before us understood that freedom is never free, that liberty requires responsibility, and that faith sustains us during times of hardship. This Black History Month, we honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we now enjoy. We rededicate ourselves to safeguarding that liberty for future generations yet to come.

Happy Black History Month. May we continue sharing America’s history—and its promise of opportunity—not just from February 1 to February 28, but throughout the entire year.

This commentary is part of MDBayNews’ ongoing Black History, American History series, which explores the people, ideas, and principles that have shaped the American story. The series highlights historical legacy, civic responsibility, and the enduring contributions of Black Americans to our shared national identity.

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About the Author

Dr. Brenda J. Thiam is a candidate for Lt. Governor of Maryland and a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 2B from 2020 to 2023. She was the first African-American Republican woman to serve in the Maryland General Assembly. Dr. Thiam previously worked as a special education teacher in Washington County Public Schools and has served with several nonprofit organizations focused on education and community engagement.

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Editor’s Note:
Dr. Brenda J. Thiam is a candidate for Lt. Governor of Maryland. Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of MDBayNews.