Rooted While the World Shifts: Carrying Black History Forward
As Black History Month marks a century of collective remembrance, reflection, and resistance, the question of what it means to remain rooted in a constantly shifting world takes on renewed urgency. Founded in 1925 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was never intended as a symbolic gesture, but as a deliberate act of reclamation. Through the legacies of leaders such as Annie Turnbo Malone, Biddy Mason, and A. Philip Randolph, Black history reveals a blueprint for resilience, economic justice, and collective responsibility that continues to guide future generations.
What does it mean to be rooted in a world that is constantly shifting? During Black History Month, this question invites us to look both backward and forward. It calls us to ground ourselves in history while imagining the future we are still called to build. To answer it fully, we must begin with context.
In 1925, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson laid the foundation for what we now know as Black History Month. At a time when the contributions of African Americans were routinely erased or ignored, Woodson dared to create a deliberate plan of action to honor Black excellence, celebrate remarkable achievements, and cultivate Black joy.
His work was not simply about a holiday celebration. It was about reclamation, human dignity, and the power of storytelling as a tool for justice. It acknowledged the significant contributions of Black leaders in shaping U.S. history.
As we celebrate a century of Black History commemorations, we must continue to recognize that African Americans are not only survivors of history, but architects of the future. Black communities have long been home to leaders who have dedicated their work to creating a blueprint for a more just and inclusive society.
History teaches us that resilience is not accidental. It is a conscious choice achieved through daily sacrifice and relentless action. Across generations, we have been guided by ancestral wisdom passed down through struggle: “Keep your hand on the plow and hold on.”
It is more than a saying; it is a reminder that progress has always required unwavering persistence. Black history is anchored in the principle of “despite.” Despite enslavement, segregation, and systemic exclusion, even today, the Black community has reclaimed social, political and economic freedom.
That truth is evident in the lives of those who rose to meet their moment. They also serve as inspiration, showing that each of us can make a difference by planting seeds of social change.
Annie Turnbo Malone was born just four years after slavery was abolished. During the Reconstruction era, she became one of the first Black female millionaires.
At a time when both race and gender posed formidable barriers, she built a thriving haircare enterprise and college, Poro, rooted in innovation and excellence. Malone provides the inspiration to continue building successful businesses that serve the community and create a foundation for generational wealth.
Malone used her success to create opportunities for tens of thousands of Black women, helping establish careers and economic independence. One such example is Madam C.J. Walker, who famously went from being a laundress to working as a Poro agent to creating her own products and becoming a millionaire. Today, Black businesses represent a mere 3% of all U.S. businesses, and most Black-owned businesses (58%) earn less than $100,000.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason’s story offers another powerful example of courage and determination. Born into slavery, Mason was determined to be free. A year before the Supreme Court decision in the Dred Scott case, Mason won her freedom in a California court and went on to become the wealthiest Black woman in Los Angeles.
Once free, Mason worked as a midwife, supporting the health and well-being of Black women and children, a persistent challenge today, as Black women are three to four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications. The maternal mortality rate for Black pregnant women is the highest in the nation, at 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Mason invested her earnings into real estate and became a millionaire. Known as the “Grandmother of Los Angeles,” she used her resources to build institutions, support those experiencing poverty, and strengthen Black community life. Her life stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and triumph against impossible odds.
She stated: “If you hold your hand closed … nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives.”
A. Philip Randolph reminds us that resilience must also be paired with vision. He was a labor leader and strategist for the first Black labor union, the International Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids. Randolph believed that democracy demanded both economic and political freedom.
His leadership helped shape the historic call for “jobs and freedom” at the March on Washington, a demand that remains deeply relevant today as the Black community continues to fight for equity and opportunity by challenging wage gaps and occupational segregation. Black women are paid 36% less than white men and 12% less than white women.
He reminds us: “Freedom is never granted: It is won. Justice is never given: It is exacted.” This is a call to leadership.
Together, these leaders remind us that the work of justice is unfinished. Yet they also affirm that we are not starting from scratch. We walk a path forged by ancestors who believed deeply in infinite possibilities, even when the odds were stacked against them and their fate was unknown.
As we mark the centennial of Black History Month, the invitation is clear. We must ask ourselves what is in our hands to make a difference. How will we remain rooted in culture, wisdom and commitment while shaping a future that is more just, inclusive and free?
History shows us the way; the question now is how we will carry it forward.
Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change.