In an interview with Variety, actor Morgan Freeman voiced his disdain for Black History Month, calling the concept of dedicating just one short month to Black history “not right.”
“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.
“I detest it. 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,”
The 86-year-old recently executive produced the new Civil War series “The Gray House” which explores stories of women spies during that era, including formerly enslaved Black woman Mary Jane Richards.
Freeman said stories like Richards’ are important to highlight, arguing “If you don’t know your past, if you don’t remember it, you are bound to repeat it.”
His producing partner Lori McCreary added that by portraying authentic experiences, people may “look at someone who looks like Morgan or me differently” after watching.
She praised the series for not “sugar-coating” the realities of slavery and showing female characters who were more than just “passing the biscuits.”
When asked why Richards’ story was overlooked by history books, Freeman bluntly responded: “I will tell you why: She was a woman.”
The acclaimed actor has been an outspoken critic of Black History Month for years, feeling it diminishes the importance and integration of Black history as American history.