After a three-year hiatus, Black in Historic Preservation’s Preservation + Belonging Lab is pleased to present:

Redacted BINGO!

Thanks to the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his supporters, February is Black History Month in the United States, a time when individuals and organizations highlight the contributions of Black people to U.S. history. They also use this month to inform the public about chattel enslavement and other forms of White-led violence and abuse that Black people experienced in the US for generations.

Unfortunately, perhaps unknown to those communicating this history as they commit to telling the full story, they are using redacted grammar and language, particularly the passive voice. Considered the tense of “professional, business writing,” and “objective communication,”  the passive voice omits or redacts the agent, i.e., who performed the action. It is not the tense to use to tell a full story. And so, let’s work to change that via a fun game of awareness and education.

What is “redacted grammar and language?”

Grammar and language that omits or obscures facts about past events. In the context of Black history and Black historical traumas, these are facts that identify White people as the perpetrators of violence against Black people. Redacted grammar and language do not comply with the evolving, research-based Tenets of (un)Redaction.

How Are We Playing?

As you read social media posts, newspapers online and in print, mark on your digital BINGO card the redacted grammar and language you see in Black history/US history lessons.

After we receive your completed registration form, you will receive a BINGO card via email.

Register now until 7:00pm EST on Mon., Feb. 23.