Breaking down barriers with Project Clean Slate By Stephanie Douglas Douglas Since Black History Month was declared a national holiday in 1976, it has brought Americans together to remember and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans. This is a time not only to celebrate and commemorate important figures who have helped to shape our nation and culture, but also to turn the lens around and examine how this history, both recent and remote, continue to affect the Black population in America today. After the killings and abuse of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McClain, Jacob Blake and other Black Americans last year, sustained and large-scale protests took place across the country, placing a renewed — and necessary — focus on the racial disparities and systemic biases that exist in America. One key area of examination has been the criminal justice system.