Scars of Slavery Cannot Be Whitewashed

The recent directive by the Trump administration to remove exhibits and signage related to slavery from U.S. national parks—including the iconic photograph “The Scourged Back”—marks a troubling moment in our nation’s commitment to confronting its historical injustices. This image, depicting the scarred back of Peter Gordon, a formerly enslaved man, has long served as a stark reminder of the brutality of slavery and a catalyst for abolitionist movements. Its removal, along with other materials detailing the history of slavery and racial discrimination, under the guise of eliminating “corrosive ideology,” represents a deliberate effort to sanitize American history.

This action aligns with Executive Order 14253, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” signed by “President” Trump in March 2025. The order mandates a review of federal depictions of history, instructing agencies to remove content that “inappropriately disparages Americans past or living.” While the administration frames this as a move towards a more balanced portrayal, it risks erasing critical narratives that are essential for understanding the full scope of American history.

At Roots of Wisdom Scholars, we believe that history is not a tool for propaganda but a mirror reflecting our collective past, with all its complexities and contradictions. Attempting to erase or obscure the painful truths of slavery undermines our ability to learn from them and to foster a more just and informed society. The removal of these exhibits is not just an act of censorship but a denial of the lived experiences of those who suffered under slavery and a disservice to future generations seeking to understand the full breadth of American history.

We stand in solidarity with historians, educators, and civil rights advocates who oppose this revisionist approach. It is imperative that we preserve and engage with all aspects of our history, no matter how uncomfortable, to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The removal of these exhibits is not a step towards healing but a step away from truth.

We call upon policymakers, educators, and citizens alike to resist efforts to whitewash history and to support initiatives that promote an honest and inclusive understanding of our shared past. Only through such engagement can we hope to build a future that truly reflects the values of justice, equality, and respect for all.