Last year, as part of the Trump administration’s lackluster attempt to celebrate Black History Month, Vice President Mike Pence commemorated the occasion by praising President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was white.
On Feb. 11, the Boston Police Department decided to honor Black History Month by paying tribute to legendary Celtics head coach, Red Auerbach. Red Auerbach was also white.
Boston mayor Marty Walsh issued a statement condemning the tweet and made a point of honoring prominent black Bostonians throughout history.
The Boston Police department deleted the tweet and replaced it with one recognizing Celtics legend Bill Russell.
Black History Month was created to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans throughout history. The Boston PD’s tweet focuses on a white savior narrative and highlights black oppression. These narratives are harmful because they cast people of color as powerless side characters in history.
Going forward, when celebrating Black History Month, let’s stick to honoring black people.
Share image by Mario Tama/Getty Images and @bostonpolice/Twitter.
