CORNELL POLICY GROUP

RLS seeks to address the environmental racism and cultural/educational violence that is caused by the suppression of Black history and the erasure of the contributions of Black Americans. Historical suppression has profound and lasting impacts on African-American people and communities. At the heart of this suppression is a systemic attempt to control narratives, undermine identity, and perpetuate racial inequity. When Black history is minimized or distorted, it not only affects how African-Americans are seen by others but also how we see ourselves.

One of the most immediate effects of historical erasure is the disruption of cultural identity. African-American communities have a rich legacy of resilience, innovation, and leadership—from the resistance of enslaved people, to the intellectual achievements of key historical figures. When these stories are excluded from mainstream education and public discourse, young Black people grow up without the full knowledge of their own history, which can distort their sense of self-worth and potential. The absence of affirming historical narratives contributes to internalized racism, where individuals begin to believe the limiting or negative stereotypes reinforced by dominant culture. Economically, it contributes to the marginalization of Black innovation and labor. Many Black inventors, entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers have been omitted from historical narratives, resulting in underrepresentation at every level which limits access to resources and opportunities.