OPINION: A day late and a dollar short

By Selika Sweet, M.D., FAAFP

JA Guest Writer

The history of people of African descent is far deeper and more complex than many of us were taught. Modern genetic research continues to reinforce that humanity shares ancient African origins and that people have migrated, intermarried, and established communities across continents for thousands of years. Our collective history is richer and more interconnected than many textbooks have acknowledged, and each archaeological discovery and scientific advance adds another chapter to humanity’s shared story.

I was reminded of this during a visit to Antibes, Marseille, and Paris, France. I was surprised by how comfortable I felt walking through those cities. I experienced an unexpected sense of ease and belonging. I did not feel out of place or self-conscious. Instead, I felt at home.

Standing along the Mediterranean coast of southern France, I realized that the African continent lay just across the sea. It was the ancestral homeland from which I inherited much of my tender brown complexion, dark wavy hair, and many of my physical features. That realization gave me a profound sense of connection, not only to Africa but also to the long and intertwined histories of Africa and Europe. It reminded me that people of African descent have contributed to and influenced civilizations, cultures, and societies throughout the world for centuries.

Years earlier, I experienced a similar sense of connection while working on a Native American reservation among the Mohave, Navajo, and Hopi peoples. I was struck by the remarkable diversity within and among Native communities. The experience deepened my appreciation that the history of the Americas is one of migration, adaptation, resilience, and cultural exchange extending back thousands of years. Although scholars continue to explore many aspects of these ancient histories, each new discovery broadens our understanding of humanity’s shared journey.

What is beyond debate is the contribution of African Americans to the United States. Through generations of enslaved labor, we helped build the nation’s wealth. We harvested its cotton, built its railroads, served in its armed forces, advanced medicine, argued before its courts, expanded scientific knowledge, established successful businesses, and enriched America through literature, music, education, art, and athletics.

Despite extraordinary obstacles, African Americans have consistently demonstrated resilience, excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to this nation’s progress.

Not long ago, I reflected on the accomplishments of my sister, Chancellor Denise Sweet Owens, and Chancellor Patricia D. Wise. In 1989, they became Mississippi’s first African American women elected as chancellors. Their achievement was historic and deserved to be celebrated.

Yet my first emotion was not pride. It was disappointing.

I found myself asking why it had taken so long. They did not suddenly become qualified in 1989. They represented generations of brilliant Black women whose intellect, integrity, wisdom, and leadership had existed all along, but whose opportunities had too often been denied.

The same thought comes to mind when I think of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her appointment to the United States Supreme Court was a landmark achievement and a moment worthy of celebration. Yet it also reminded the nation that countless Black women before her possessed the intellect, character, legal ability, and judgment to serve on our highest court.

The qualifications were never missed.

The opportunity was.

Justice Jackson’s service represents far more than one woman’s success. It honors generations of Black women who pursued excellence despite barriers unrelated to talent or merit. Her presence on the Supreme Court confirms what should have been recognized decades earlier. Women of African descent have always possessed the qualifications, integrity, wisdom, and vision to interpret the Constitution and help shape American law.

History celebrates firsts, but firsts also remind us how long justice has been delayed. The elections of Chancellor Denise Sweet Owens and Chancellor Patricia D. Wise, followed decades later by the appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, are milestones worthy of celebration. They opened doors, inspired future generations, and strengthened both Mississippi and our nation.

Yet these achievements also remind us of an uncomfortable truth. America did not suddenly discover qualified Black women. They had always been here. They had always been leading, teaching, healing, judging, creating, serving, and inspiring others.

For far too long, unequal opportunity allowed others to occupy positions that many equally qualified Black women had earned through intelligence, education, perseverance, and character. Our nation paid a price for that exclusion. We lost decades of leadership, wisdom, perspective, and talent that could have enriched our courts, our institutions, and our democracy.

Progress deserves celebration. Delayed justice deserves remembrance.

The recognition finally came.

For many extraordinary Black women whose contributions paved the way, it came a day late and a dollar short.