Overall, Columbus Day serves as a complex symbol, prompting reflection on the intertwined histories of colonization, slavery, and the ongoing struggles for justice and recognition faced by both African Americans and indigenous peoples. 

For African Americans, Columbus Day can be a time to reflect on the broader history of colonization and its consequences, including the transatlantic slave trade. The arrival of Europeans in the Americas set off a chain of events that led to the forced migration and enslavement of millions of Africans. This history is intertwined with the experiences of African Americans and is a significant part of their collective memory.

It is one reason why more communities and businesses are renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, which highlights the culture, people and customs of Native Americans.  Indigenous Peoples Day is one very small way of collectively remembering the enormous human cost of colonization and the enduring presence and humanity of indigenous America.