Introduction
Every year, the second Monday in October marks Columbus Day in the United States, celebrating Christopher Columbus‘s supposed “discovery” of the Americas in 1492. However, historical accounts reveal that Columbus didn’t reach what is now the United States; he instead arrived in parts of the Caribbean, never setting foot in North America. Moreover, Columbus’s legacy, far from a story of discovery, is one steeped in the violence, enslavement, and genocide of Indigenous people. Despite these facts, Columbus Day persists as a federal holiday, leading many to question how and why such a figure is celebrated at all.
This legacy has prompted numerous U.S. states and regions to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, aiming to honor the histories and resilience of Native communities that Columbus’s arrival disrupted. This day has gained traction across the U.S. as more states and cities recognize the significance of elevating Indigenous voices and cultures over a holiday that symbolizes colonial oppression.
The Horrors of Colonization: Columbus’s True Impact
Columbus’s arrival was not just a moment in history but the beginning of widespread atrocities. Upon arriving in the Caribbean, Columbus and his crew forcibly enslaved and exploited Indigenous communities. Reports from Columbus’s own journals document his intentions to dominate Native populations through coercion and violence, setting the stage for centuries of European colonization that would see the decimation of millions of Indigenous people through violence, disease, and displacement
“Let’s call Columbus Day what it really is—a historical injustice marketed as ‘discovery.’ Columbus didn’t discover anything; he arrived, uninvited, and opened the door to centuries of colonization.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
The modern-day celebration of Columbus Day, therefore, does more than commemorate his arrival; it serves as a stark reminder of a historical narrative that often glosses over or ignores the suffering inflicted on Indigenous populations. For many, particularly Native communities, Columbus represents the onset of a violent colonization period rather than any form of “discovery.”
Christopher Columbus Journal:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Resilience and Survival
In contrast to Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates Native American culture, history, and resilience. First officially recognized in 1990 by South Dakota as Native Americans’ Day, this alternative observance has grown to include many U.S. cities, states, and educational institutions. Indigenous Peoples’ Day encourages a more balanced historical view, one that respects and honors Indigenous contributions and survival despite centuries of oppression and marginalization.
This holiday also represents a broader shift toward acknowledging the importance of Indigenous heritage and addressing historical inaccuracies in mainstream education. Schools and institutions are increasingly using Indigenous Peoples’ Day to educate about Native cultures, contributions, and current issues rather than solely focusing on European exploration narratives.
A Stark Contrast: The Celebration of Columbus vs. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The ease with which Columbus Day became a federal holiday contrasts sharply with the hurdles faced by Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Established in 1937 and designated a federal holiday in 1971, Columbus Day was readily accepted as a symbol of national pride, despite Columbus’s role in Indigenous genocide. Conversely, establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day met with substantial resistance from lawmakers who opposed honoring a civil rights leader whose legacy advocated equality and justice for all Americans. This discrepancy reflects systemic biases favoring European figures in U.S. history, even when they represent colonial violence and exploitation.
“The resistance faced in establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day compared to Columbus Day shows how deeply ingrained colonial and racial biases still are. Hypocrisy defines the true nature of leadership in the United States.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of peace and human rights, values celebrated in the U.S. Constitution, was only reluctantly honored after years of campaigning and advocacy, highlighting the persistence of racial inequities within the United States’ commemorative landscape.
Caribbean and Central American Recognition: Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day
For many regions in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America, October 12 is recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day. Countries like Belize observe this day to honor Indigenous resilience against colonization and remember the lives lost to European invasion. This recognition reframes the day as one of remembrance rather than celebration, emphasizing solidarity with Native communities across the Americas and resisting narratives that glorify colonial figures without regard for Indigenous suffering
Moving Forward: Acknowledging History, Honoring the Truth
The replacement of Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day by cities and states across the U.S. reflects a growing awareness of the injustices committed against Native people and the importance of accurate historical representation. Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a step toward embracing a more truthful and inclusive narrative, one that respects Indigenous communities’ invaluable contributions and enduring strength.
For those interested in learning more, resources like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States offer educational materials and narratives that provide a more accurate view of these histories. This shift allows us to celebrate not the beginning of exploitation but the resilience and thriving cultures of Indigenous peoples who have endured despite it all.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
