In a new interview, the actor makes it clear that his long-held criticism of Black History Month remains unchanged, emphasizing the significance of American history as a whole.
- Jun 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Morgan Freeman, an esteemed actor, has once again voiced his disapproval of the concept of Black History Month. In an interview with Variety, the 87-year-old expressed his objection to the idea of a dedicated month to celebrate African American history.
"I detest it. The mere idea of it," Freeman stated. He questioned the allocation of the shortest month of the year for such a celebration and emphasized that his history is intertwined with American history. "This whole idea makes my teeth itch. It's not right."
Freeman stressed the importance of understanding American history, including the experiences of African Americans. He highlighted his involvement as executive producer of "The Gray House", based on the true story of women who served as Union spies during the Civil War.
"If you don't know your past, if you don’t remember it, you are bound to repeat it," he said.
Freeman's stance on Black History Month has been consistent throughout his career. In previous statements, he referred to it as an "insult" and expressed his belief that it serves to perpetuate racial divisions. "I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history," Freeman has said.
The award-winning actor has also advocated for eradicating racism by ceasing to focus on it. "I am going to stop calling you a White man, and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a Black man," he told an interviewer.
Despite Freeman's criticism, "The Gray House" showcases the significant contributions of African Americans to American history. The series depicts the extraordinary efforts of women who risked their lives to gather intelligence for the Union cause.
Freeman's disapproval of Black History Month stems from his broader perspective on the importance of recognizing the shared experiences of all Americans. By advocating for a more inclusive understanding of history, he aims to break down the barriers that divide society.
