“Erasing Our Heroes: The Removal of Black Veterans from the Arlington cemetery. TheUrgent Need to Preserve Our History”

Erasing History

In an era where history is being rewritten or erased, it is imperative that the Black community takes charge of preserving its legacy. Recent developments have shown just how fragile historical recognition can be.

The Trump administration has removed mentions of Black, Latino, and women veterans from its website due to the dismantling of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. This is a blatant erasure of those who sacrificed their lives for a country that has repeatedly disrespected them—even in death.

According to BBC News, World War II veteran Medgar Evers, whom President Trump once referred to as “a great American hero,” has been erased from the Arlington National Cemetery website. That section had previously honored Black Americans who fought in the nation’s wars. This is not just a political move—it’s an attack on historical truth.

Why We Must Take Ownership of Our History

History is not just a collection of facts; it is a roadmap for future generations. Without it, we risk losing sight of our struggles, victories, and contributions. If we do not document our past, others will rewrite it to fit their own narratives. The Black community must take responsibility for ensuring that future generations know the names, stories, and sacrifices of those who paved the way for them.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by investing in books—not just reading them, but owning them. Books are more than just sources of knowledge; they are time capsules, ensuring that the truth remains intact. When history is removed from public records and websites, books become our last line of defense against erasure.

Books as a Form of Resistance

Throughout history, knowledge has been the most powerful tool for liberation. During slavery, it was illegal for Black people to read and write because education was seen as a threat to the system of oppression. That same system exists today in different forms—through misinformation, the banning of books, and the deletion of historical records. If we do not actively preserve our history, we will wake up one day to find it completely erased.

Consider the importance of keeping books that document:

• The contributions of Black military heroes like Medgar Evers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Harriet Tubman.

• The brilliance of Black inventors like George Washington Carver, Granville Woods, and Madam C.J. Walker.

• The powerful voices of Black revolutionaries and thinkers like Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.

We need to keep these books as souvenirs, passing them down to our children like sacred heirlooms. Imagine if our elders had been able to hold onto every speech, every lesson, every contribution made by Black leaders—how much stronger would our communities be today?

The Danger of Distractions

One of the greatest tools used to suppress our growth is distraction. Social media, celebrity gossip, and political theatrics are all designed to keep us from focusing on what truly matters. While debates over entertainment trends flood our timelines, our history is being quietly erased. If we do not pay attention, our grandchildren will grow up without knowledge of who they are and where they come from.

We must make a conscious decision to prioritize education over entertainment, truth over trends, and unity over division. The moment we allow others to dictate our history is the moment we lose control of our future.

Building a Nation of Our Own

It is not enough to acknowledge that our history is being erased—we must take action. That action starts with collective investment in education and knowledge. It means supporting Black authors, historians, and bookstores. It means creating libraries in our homes, community centers, and churches. It means teaching our children about Black excellence long before they ever set foot in a school that may not tell them the truth.

If we are serious about creating a nation of our own—one built on the foundation of truth, strength, and resilience—then we must own the knowledge that makes that nation possible. Black Lives Matter is not just a slogan; it is a call to action for us to preserve, protect, and promote the truth of who we are.

Now is the Time

The events of 2025 should serve as a wake-up call. Decades of fighting for freedom, justice and equality have not exempted us from the continued attacks on our history and contributions. If we do not act now, our children will grow up in a world where Black achievements, struggles, and sacrifices are mere footnotes in someone else’s story.

We cannot afford to wait for others to tell our history. We must write it, read it, own it, and pass it on.

References:

• BBC News. “Trump Administration Removes Black, Latino, and Women Veterans from Website.” (2025)

• Arlington National Cemetery Website Update (2025)

• Historical Accounts of Medgar Evers and Black War Heroes