Is Black History Month still needed, or are we just treading water in a sea of sanitized history? Buckle up — Ayana breaks down the sneaky ways America is rewriting its story, erasing Black contributions, and turning the past into a sanitized fairy tale. Spoiler: It’s not over, and ignoring the ugly truths keeps us stuck in the same cycle of erasure and incomplete narratives.

From executive orders trying to “restore truth” (lol) to museums that prefer a “positive-only” version of history, Ayana exposes how official efforts are systematically pushing Black history out of sight — and why that’s a slap in the face to real progress. You’ll discover how curriculums thin Black achievements into “firsts,” overlook resistance and ingenuity, and frame history as a series of “mistakes” rather than the complex, revolutionary stories they are.

We break down how the race to “sanitize” history fuels societal divides, weakens civil rights protections, and leaves new generations with a version of America so polished, it’s almost shiny enough to blind you. This episode isn’t just about Black History Month — it’s about the importance of truth in shaping a better future.

And yes, Ayana gets real — no sugar, no fluff, just the facts, figures, and the unapologetic truth. Because until we all know where we came from, we’re still wandering in the fog.

Read:

1. "African-Americans and Africa: A New History" by Nemata Amelia Blyden
2. "Mis-education of The Negro" by Carter G. Woodson
3. https://peoplenotproperty.hudsonvalley.org/the-presidents-house-site.php
4. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history/
5. https://travelnoire.com/black-history-2026-celebrations
6. https://www.city-journal.org/article/presidents-house-site-independence-national-historical-park-george-washington
7. https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/funding-cuts-erasing-black-history-blackout-report
8. https://time.com/6217162/teaching-white-supremacy-american-history/

In the Season 5 premiere, Ayana discusses "ICE," the Minnesota protests, and systemic injustices faced by immigrant communities. She emphasizes the importance of resistance against oppressive systems, the moral and legal complexities surrounding it, and the historical context of civil rights movements. The conversation highlights the necessity of collective action and the need for justice that protects dignity and humanity.

In this episode, Ayana reflects on the theme of courage throughout 2025, a nearly quiet revolution. Ayana emphasizes that true courage involves facing truths and embracing imagination. She shares personal stories of how courage became more than just a word, evolving into a rhythm and a way of being. Ayana highlights that courage is not a solitary act but a relational and collective practice, urging listeners to find courage in truth and imagination as they move forward.

Onward into 2026! Happy New Year!

"Roar" original artwork by Jarrett Terrill