One Man Learns Why ‘A World Without Black History’ Would Really Suck

February 22, 2016 / Franchesca Ramsey

Editor’s Note: This video uses the word “lame” in an ableist way. While we love the humorous and informative content of the video, we know that ableist language is harmful, and we hope that as more and more people learn why, we will collectively erase this language from our vocabulary forever.

Oh, Chad. Chad is like so many others who doesn’t understand why “black people get a whole month,” and says we need a “White History Month.”

In this video, he gets a visit from the amazing Franchesca Ramsey, who shows him just how different the world would be without the contributions of Black Americans. Some of these differences might surprise you – and they’re sure news to Chad, who sees the light in a hilarious ending.

We wish this essential reality check would instantly appear every time someone dismisses the need for Black History Month, but you can share this video to spread the word for the next best thing.

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Chad: I hate having a birthday during Black History Month. Why do I only get a day when they get an entire month?

Mandy: You’re so smart, babe.

Chad: You know what we really need? We need a White History Month.

Franchesca: Did someone say that there should be a White History Month?

Chad: Yeah. How did you know?

Franchesca: Let me guess. You’re not racist or anything, but you just think it’ll be better if we didn’t have a Black History Month in America at all?

Chad: Yeah. Pretty much.

Franchesca: Ugh. Let’s get this over with.

Mandy: And then Chadwick, when is cribbage?

Chad: It’s Mandy and I. Why are we dressed so [uncool]? What are those stupid ass shoes? Why is everything so different?

Franchesca: Well, you see Chad, without black inventors, our world would have missed out on huge advancements in cellphone technology, gaming consoles, and personal computers. Not to mention important shoe-making techniques, light bulbs that last more than a few days, and delicious, delicious potato chips.

A world without black history is completely different.

Chad: Yeah, but all that stuff would have gotten invented anyway.

Franchesca: If all inventions are inevitable, then why celebrate any inventors, Chad?

Chad: Wait, where’s grandpa? Grandpa’s dead?

Franchesca: Yes. Not only did the black engineer help invent the pacemaker, but the first successful open heart surgery was done by a black surgeon. Black history is not just about technology.

What do you feel like listening to? Classical, Irish tap dancing, polka music, an entire crooner station, more classical?

Chad: Okay. I see what you’re doing here. Just put on Elvis, and I’ll be good.

Franchesca: Elvis who?

Chad: Fine. I walked right into that. Kenny Chesney or something.

Franchesca: Oh, sorry, dude. Country music has its roots in black R’n’B, which means, a world without black history is a world without country music.

Chad: No. This place [sucks]. Where are we?

Franchesca: Time Square, Midtown Manhattan. Ever heard of it?

Chad: Yeah, right. This is more like some boring ass town in some shitty little country or some shit.

Franchesca: Pretty much. Not only was most of early New York City built by African slaves, but without black slaves, the South never developed its labor intensive cotton and tobacco plantations.

Chad: What?

Franchesca: Which means that the North never developed its financial sector or have the industries meant support that very same lucrative cotton industry.

Chad: What?

Franchesca: It’s entirely possible that without the contributions of Black Americans, we wouldn’t have the money to have made the Louisiana purchase from France.

Chad: What?

Franchesca: The land deal that expanded America’s borders and catapulted it into being one of the world’s leading food producers, as well as a global leader.

Chad: Wait. You’re saying that without black people, most of this country is owned by France?!

Franchesca: It’s entirely possible.

Chad: No, no. Take me back. I want to go back. I want to go back.

Chad: (Returning to present time) What month is it?

Mandy: February.

Chad: Specifically.

Mandy: Black History Month.

Chad: Oh, thank God. Happy Black History Month, Grandpa. Happy Black History Month, potato chip. Happy Black History Month, cellphone. Happy Black History Month, hip hop and streetwear apparel. God bless Black History Month.

Mandy: Black History Month? You just said there should be a White History–

Chad: Shhh.

Mandy: Okay.

Chad: I’m woke now.

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Franchesca “Chescaleigh” Ramsey is a graphic designer and video blogger based out of New York City. With over 100k subscribers on her two YouTube channels, Chescaleigh and Chescalocs she and her videos have been featured on numerous style and entertainment blogs and news publications including MTV, The New York Times, Essence.com, and The BBC. In January 2012, Franchesca had her first viral video “Shit White Girls Say…to Black Girls” which accumulated 1.5 million views in 24 hours, 6 million views in a week and over 9 million views to date. Follow her on Twitter @chescaleigh.