Jalyn Thomas, Contributing Writer
In 1976, American figure skater Terry Kubicka failed a backflip during a competition, ultimately resulting in the move being banned because it was deemed “too dangerous” to perform.
Surya Bonaly, a Black French figure skater, competed in the 1998 Winter Olympics. Despite knowing it was illegal, she performed and successfully landed a single leg backflip. Ultimately, she was penalized for the move, but she proved it could be safely done.
Ilia Malinin, an American figure skater from Virginia competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, made headlines by successfully landing a single leg backflip. The move was legalized in 2024 and Malinin became the first skater to legally execute it in competition.
Malinin received an overwhelming amount of praise for his accomplishment, being lauded as a pioneer in the sport. The narrative has failed to properly recognize Bonaly, erasing her achievement.
While Bonaly performed the move while it was illegal, she still deserves the same amount of praise as Malinin. Though their performances are different, it’s still called the “Bonaly flip” for a reason.
Elvis Presley, the so-called “king of rock and roll,” is known for his style that is widely considered to be stolen from Black artists. When the star’s biopic came out in 2022, it sparked conversations about the source of his inspiration and the lack of credit given to those inspirations when he was alive.
African American Vernacular English, or AAVE — a dialect still looked down upon depending on the user — has been reduced to being considered nothing more than “Gen Z slang,” completely erasing its community roots. Most people who use the dialect do not address or even know the history of the language and how Black people were considered lesser if they used it.
It’s a tale as old as time. Those who are Black do not get the same recognition, praise and credit as their white counterparts.
As a Black woman, I have seen time and time again my peers not recieving the same praise as others. It’s frustrating.
The current federal government is not making this issue any better. The Trump administration has been erasing Black history before our eyes — the President ordered the removal of “signs and exhibits related to slavery” in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., stating he plans to “restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness.”
What is the “American greatness” that President Trump wants to call back to?
If you were to look back at an unbiased view of history, you would know that Black people have been front runners. The Black Panther Party is the reason why we have free lunch in schools. Marsha P. Johnson helped pioneer a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. Garrett Morgan invented both the gas mask and traffic light.
Despite the wishes of the current federal administration, Black history cannot be overlooked. It’s up to the public to make sure that those who came before us get the recognition they deserve.