Unmasking the Layers: How Critical Race Theory Shapes and Shakes the Preservation of Black History

 

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is more than a buzzword—it’s a framework that dares to question power structures, race, and justice. At the heart of CRT lies a profound commitment to truth-telling, especially when it comes to Black history. Here are 12 intriguing facts about CRT and its ripple effect on how we remember, preserve, and sometimes distort Black heritage:

1. Origins in Law: CRT began in the 1970s as a response to the stagnation of racial reform after the Civil Rights era, pioneered by scholars like Derrick Bell and Kimberlé Crenshaw.

2. Not a Curriculum: Contrary to public belief, CRT isn’t a K-12 curriculum—it's a theoretical framework used in higher education.

3. Tells Untold Stories: CRT emphasizes counter-storytelling, giving voice to narratives often erased from mainstream history.

   
   
   

4. Intersectionality: It coined this vital term to explain how race, gender, class, and other identities interconnect.

5. Challenges Colorblindness: CRT argues that “not seeing race” erases historical and ongoing injustices.

6. Spotlights Systemic Racism: It stresses how laws and institutions perpetuate racial inequalities, intentionally or not.

7. Promotes Critical Thinking: CRT encourages deeper examination of accepted truths and national myths.

8. Inspires Curriculum Reform: It has influenced the push for inclusive history that honors Black contributions beyond slavery.

9. Censorship Backlash: Some states have banned or limited CRT, affecting access to truthful Black history in schools.

10. Feeds Fear and Division: Critics falsely frame CRT as divisive, creating political tension and silencing dialogue.

11. Impacts Textbooks: Debates around CRT influence what gets published—or omitted—in educational materials.

12. Preserves Empowerment: Despite controversy, CRT empowers future generations to protect and uplift Black legacies.

CRT isn’t about guilt or blame—it’s about understanding, truth, and justice. In the fight to preserve Black history, it serves as both a torch and a target. The question remains: Who gets to write history—and who gets erased? For more insight and better understanding, the points are better underscored by experts diversified view points on CRT on the matter.