Morgan Freeman, the acclaimed actor and Academy Award winner, has once again voiced his disapproval of Black History Month. He believes that Black history should be recognized as an integral part of American history rather than being segregated into a single month.
Morgan Freeman, known for his profound voice and remarkable acting prowess, has not shied away from expressing his strong opinions about Black History Month. In a recent interview with Variety, the 87-year-old actor reiterated his long-standing criticism of the concept, calling it an insult and an unnecessary segregation of history.
“I detest it,” Freeman declared. “The mere idea of it. You are going to give me the shortest month in a year? And you are going to celebrate ‘my’ history?! This whole idea makes my teeth itch. It’s not right.”
Freeman’s contention is rooted in the belief that Black history is fundamentally American history. He emphasized the importance of integrating Black history into the broader narrative of American history, rather than confining it to a single month. “My history is American history. It’s the one thing in this world I am interested in, beyond making money, having a good time, and getting enough sleep,” he stated.
The actor’s commitment to understanding and promoting American history is evident in his involvement with the upcoming film “The Gray House,” where he serves as the executive producer. The film tells the true story of three women who worked as Union spies during the Civil War, highlighting lesser-known aspects of American history. Freeman underscored the significance of remembering history to avoid repeating past mistakes, a sentiment that resonates deeply in his advocacy against Black History Month.
Freeman’s criticism of Black History Month is not new. In 2023, he labeled it an “insult” and questioned the term “African-American,” which he feels does not adequately represent the identity and history of Black people in America. “Black people have had different titles all the way back to the n-word and I do not know how these things get such a grip, but everyone uses ‘African-American.’ What does it really mean?” he pondered.
The actor first made headlines with his views on Black History Month in 2005, when he called the concept “ridiculous” and suggested that the best way to eliminate racism is to stop focusing on racial labels. “I am going to stop calling you a White man, and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a Black man,” Freeman told an interviewer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Freeman has garnered numerous accolades, including five Academy Award nominations and a win for his role in “Million Dollar Baby.” His contributions to the arts have been recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 2008 and the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2012.
Freeman’s perspective challenges us to reconsider how we recognize and celebrate history. His call to integrate Black history into the wider American narrative encourages a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the past.
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