Columbus Day, long celebrated as the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, is a significant rewriting of American history. The narrative that Columbus “discovered” the New World overlooks the fact that Indigenous peoples had been living on these lands for thousands of years. Columbus’ arrival marked the beginning of European colonization and the violent displacement of Native American civilizations, rather than the first human presence in the Americas.
This holiday erases the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Anti-Columbus Day movements have risen to challenge this narrative, advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. This shift emphasizes recognizing the resilience and survival of Native communities despite centuries of oppression and colonization. Rewriting history in this way reclaims truth and acknowledges the injustices that followed Columbus’ arrival. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Anti-Columbus Day is a step toward respecting and honoring the original inhabitants of the Americas while confronting the harmful legacies of colonization embedded
in the story of Columbus.
As the founder and president of the 23rd Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, I invite you to join us for our festival kick-off on Monday, October 14, 2024 for Anti-Columbus Day with global content creators. For more information on UMFF 2024, visit https://umff.com.
