‘They’re Showing Cowardice’: Viral Video Offers Powerful Historical Context Behind Attacks on Black Progress

by Gee NY

A powerful video shared by creator Mell (@oh_mellnawww) is resonating across social media, specially among Blacks.

Mell’s post offers a sobering yet inspiring reminder that the backlash against Black communities in America is not a sign of weakness—but rather a reaction to progress.

Mell shared the now-viral post in response to recent political and social actions, under President Donald Trump, seen by many as efforts to erase Black history, restrict education, and marginalize Black voices.

But far from being discouraged, Mell’s message struck a collective nerve of historical memory and resilience.

“Black people are gonna make it y’all,” the speaker declares at the start of the video, invoking a deep confidence rooted in lived experience and historical fact.

Hate Is a Reaction to Black Progress

Ku-Klux Klan at_Baltimore (1923). Image credit: Wikimedia Commons/public doman

In a deeply reflective breakdown, the creator reminds viewers that white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan only rose to power after Black Americans achieved freedom from slavery, began educating themselves, and started winning elected office during Reconstruction. These advances, rather than being met with respect, triggered waves of backlash rooted in fear.

“One of the most vitriolic hate groups ever to be formed, only formed after Black people achieved our physical liberation,” Mell explains.

From post-Reconstruction violence to Jim Crow and the reactionary laws passed after the Civil Rights Act, the pattern is clear: every step forward for Black communities is often followed by a push to roll those gains back.

Current Tactics, Old Playbook

The video makes compelling comparisons between current policies—such as book bans targeting Black literature, restrictions on discussing Black history in classrooms, and the quiet deletion of Black figures from government archives—and earlier moments in U.S. history.

Rather than signs of strength, these actions are described as acts of fear.

“They’re not showing might… they’re showing cowardice,” the digital creator says. “How scared do you have to be to delete heroes of this nation just because they don’t look like you?”

Survival, Joy, and Historical Truth

Mell

The video ends on a note of defiance and pride. Black survival, it reminds viewers, has always been an act of resistance—and joy, love, and education are parts of that legacy.

“Even if we don’t know who we are, they do. So let’s act like we know who we are.”

The sentiment was echoed by many online, including users who reposted the video with comments like, “This gave me the perspective I needed today,” “We’ve survived so much. This is just the last gasp of broken systems,” and “My people have survived much and won much. We need to remember.

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