GUEST COMMENTARY: Supporting Black History All Year Round
'In 2025, however, the celebrations mean, perhaps, more than ever.'
With February only a few days in and the groundhog just announcing more weeks of winter (which may or may not be good news to you), the month also brings the nationwide celebration of Black History Month. Initially a week long event beginning in 1926, the recognition is meant as a time to reflect and to learn more about the contributions as well as the struggles of black communities in America.
Local celebrations in the Greater Williamsburg area often include events at William & Mary, Williamsburg Regional Library, and Colonial Williamsburg, to name a few. There is also a renewed emphasis each year on supporting black-owned businesses, spotlighting women and men who offer goods and services in a wide variety of industries. In fact, this year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor" focusing on the contributions of black workers throughout history.
In 2025, however, the celebrations mean, perhaps, more than ever.
With current tensions and focus within DEI spaces, black owners and employees face increased scrutiny and criticisms from those espousing cutbacks on Diversity initiatives throughout the country. Sometimes rhetoric of racially driven history raises its head when development of programs — to make reparations and to create equity for those who have been historically underrepresented in those industries — are blamed for economic concerns as well as recent tragedies like the plane crash, where some blame the Federal Aviation Administration for overutilization of DEI programs for under-qualified employees. And constant headlines from legacy media outlets tend to amplify these messages for clicks. Clicks, after all, generate revenue. And revenue makes the world go ‘round.
Locally, it might seem more likely that the Williamsburg area will forego public outbreaks of racial hostilities for a sense of solidarity and togetherness. Williamsburg, both the city and the town, is well known in the area as a Nice Place and a desired parcel of real estate where retirees and young families alike can find their homes.
For an area of around 78,000 in population, Williamsburg has inspired several local groups of varying sizes and engagement in racial reconciliation efforts, increasing notably since the tensions of 2020 and the BLack Lives Matter movement. Groups like All Together and Let Freedom Ring have been working throughout James City County and City of Williamsburg toward more racial diversity, open discussions and educational efforts, mostly through faith-based communities of local Baptist and Episcopal churches. Coming to the Table is another local group, a chapter of a nationwide effort, to encourage dialogue in the midst of fear and misunderstanding around race and ethnicity, also starting around 2019 though not affiliated with a specific faith-based organization.
With recent events such as the Presidential election cycle and the appointment of Cabinet members, many locals express increasing concern about just how far our country has come. One local activist has posted memes and long articles in Facebook group called “Williamsburg Action” expressing disgust and fear, pointing at recent administration decisions regarding Immigration policies and rolling back DEI programs. The sense of increased hostilities begs the question: have we moved the needle enough on racism and healing for our nation?
It remains to be seen where the local Williamsburg community as a whole will stand. Decisions for practical matters within the County and City are yet to be made regarding public school programs, social services benefits, and local policies that directly affect businesses, nonprofits, and, ultimately, every family living here. The relatively quiet small town may get louder soon, but it’s hard to tell from history.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of the Williamsburg Independent. All decisions to publish submissions are at the sole discretion of the Williamsburg Independent.
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