Black history is American history

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Read in browser Read in browser Today's Opinions Fri Feb 10 2023 Louie Villalobos |  Deputy editor/audience and commentary Good afternoon. Today I wanted to lead the newsletter with the start of a column on Black history since it is Black History Month. So here goes. Read the full column below.  American history matters.  Black history is American history.  Therefore, Black history matters.  This basic logical syllogism captures the relevance of Black history, not just for some but for all.  If we want to understand our present and prepare for our future, we must first know our past. The plural possessive pronoun "our" signals something held collectively and implies inclusion.  We ignore our history – or even just parts of it – at our own peril. History is a great teacher and a powerful predictor.  Real quick, sign up to get our alerts  Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? It's free and available in your app store.  Once you have the app, go to the settings and add "Commentary & Analysis" to make sure you don't miss out.  I chronicle Black stories. I wish there weren't a Black History Month. When we begin to teach the history of all the people in an integrated and balanced way, we will no longer need Black History Month. READ MORE What stories of 'mundane' traffic stops show about American policing For Black Americans, traffic stops are anything but routine. Voices from across the country share their stories and ways we can reform policing. READ MORE 'It's everything': Black women's hair is about ancestry, identity A Black woman's hair is more than it appears, the strands interwoven with culture, acceptance, standards of beauty and more. READ MORE Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords Follow Us Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe  •   Manage Newsletters  •  Terms of Service  •   Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights  •  Privacy Notice  •   Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy  •  Feedback