The Case for Biden on a ‘Black Mount Rushmore’

A growing conversation is taking place about which U.S. Presidents should be included on a “Black Mount Rushmore”—a monument recognizing leaders most attentive to and successful in meeting the needs of Black Americans. While the idea initially surfaced in 2024, the discussion has gained renewed attention, with some arguing that President Joe Biden deserves a place alongside historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

Why Biden’s Name Enters the Conversation

The argument for Biden isn’t rooted in sentimentality, but in policy and tangible results. As noted by Wayne Washington of The Root, Biden has arguably addressed more issues pertinent to Black Americans than many presidents throughout history.

Key achievements cited include:

• Expansion of the Child Tax Credit: This policy lifted millions of children, including a significant number of Black children, out of poverty.
• Funding for HBCUs: Biden signed legislation providing $16 billion to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• Supreme Court Nomination: He fulfilled his promise to nominate a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, appointing Ketanji Brown Jackson.
• Vice Presidential Selection: The selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate, and her subsequent nomination as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, is also seen as a significant step.

Who Might Not Make the Cut?

The discussion about a “Black Mount Rushmore” also necessitates considering which presidents wouldn’t be included. Washington argues that presidents who directly participated in slavery—such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—should be excluded, despite their other contributions to the nation. The rationale is that their ownership of enslaved people outweighs any positive accomplishments.

Other presidents face scrutiny:

• Abraham Lincoln: While celebrated for the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s views on racial equality were complex. He initially prioritized preserving the Union over abolishing slavery and, at times, expressed beliefs in white supremacy.
• Theodore Roosevelt: A dinner with Booker T. Washington, while notable for its time, is considered insufficient to warrant inclusion.
• Ulysses S. Grant: Is considered a better choice than Roosevelt, due to his efforts to outlaw segregation and protect Black citizens in the South through federal intervention.

Historical Context and Biden’s Evolution

It’s crucial to acknowledge Biden’s own past record on racial issues. Critics point to his past questioning of school busing for desegregation, his friendships with segregationists, and his handling of the Anita Hill allegations during the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Biden himself has acknowledged making mistakes throughout his career.

However, proponents argue that his actions during his presidency demonstrate a significant shift and a commitment to addressing racial inequities.

Looking Ahead

The debate over who deserves a place on a “Black Mount Rushmore” is a complex one, reflecting the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the demand to critically examine the legacies of American presidents. While the idea of a physical monument remains hypothetical, the conversation itself highlights the importance of recognizing presidential leadership that actively advances the interests of Black Americans.