The Northern Marianas Humanities Council is proud to celebrate Black History Month in the spirit of inafa’måolik and tipiyeew. This celebration honors the pivotal role that Black Americans have played in shaping a more equitable and just society. The sacrifices made by the Black community have changed American history for the better and inspired movements for equity, justice, and self-determination among the people of the Marianas.
The Council stands in solidarity with the Black community to confront the full spectrum of Black American history, acknowledging the forced displacement from homes and the brutal realities of slavery in the American colonies to the unwavering pursuit of justice and equality. It is a journey from the depths of oppression to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Their fight to end discrimination reshaped America’s laws and societal values, advocating for the human rights of not just Black Americans but all those marginalized and disenfranchised, including in the Pacific region, where Indigenous peoples have also struggled for self-determination, recognition, and fundamental human rights.
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, marked by civil protests, demonstrations, and a collective call for justice and equality, led to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These acts not only ended legal segregation in public spaces and banned employment discrimination but also dismantled legal barriers against Black American voting rights, setting a cornerstone for civil rights advancements in the United States and catalyzing deeper conversations globally for equity in human rights for all.
The struggle of Black Americans for equality and justice resonated deeply with the founders of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as they navigated their path toward self-government, emerging from a history of colonization, oppression, and discrimination. The late Edward DLG Pangelinan, Chairman of the Marianas Political Status Commission, is an example. Pangelinan’s participation in the historic March on Washington in 1963, where he witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, and his subsequent education at Howard University, a historically Black college under the mentorship of Thurgood Marshall, the first Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court who was Black American, highlights the profound influence of the struggle of Black Americans on the CNMI’s journey toward equity and self-determination.
This intersection of Black American history and the CNMI’s political development underscores the shared human experiences of struggle, resilience, and the quest for dignity and equality. It is a celebration of a movement away from victimization to empowerment. It is a testament to the universal desire for greater voice, visibility, and the right to self-determination. We celebrate our intertwined narratives, honor the contributions of our Black American brothers and sisters, and embrace the diverse and rich experiences of all communities that make up the Commonwealth.
Sixty years have passed since Martin Luther King Jr. shared his vision for a society founded on social justice and equality. This enduring dream continues to resonate, especially during the celebration of Black History Month, as it underscores the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. The sentiment of striving for a fair and equitable society extends to the lives of Pacific Islanders and other marginalized communities. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s words in 1965 capture this collective aspiration for justice: “You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, ‘You are free to compete with all others,’ and justly believe you have been completely fair.” This statement not only reflects the challenges faced by Black Americans but also resonates with the experiences of Pacific Islanders, who have a unique history of colonization and cultural suppression. Celebrating Black History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the interconnected struggles of our diverse communities, promoting a broader understanding of the fight to end discrimination and the importance of solidarity across racial and cultural lines.
In commemorating Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to the Humanities Council’s purpose: to navigate and explore the human experiences of the indigenous and diverse peoples of the Marianas. Through this lens, we recognize the importance of inclusive narratives that reflect the complexity and richness of our shared history and humanity. By drawing inspiration from the courage and perseverance of those who have fought for justice and equality, we continue to enrich our understanding of ourselves and others, fostering a community that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
As we reflect on the legacies of Black American history, let us carry forward the spirit of inafa’måolik and tipiyeew, to champion peace and harmony in our collective effort to advance humanity by bravely challenging inequality as we strive for a better future for the CNMI. Ti siña ta tulaika i man ma’pus, låo siña ta na’mås maolek desde på’go para mo’na. We cannot change the past, but we can make the future better—Biba to Black American History Month!
Council Chairperson