History is what is written down...by a winner, or by a loser, by an ethical researcher, or for a specific purpose. It can be twisted, manipulated, often invented, either believed or denied. For example, like so many others, I watched the January 6 assault on congress, only to be told that those involved were merely visitors who were persecuted by the justice system. That, together with claims of voter fraud, were clear attempts to influence the gullible for a purpose.
Current events are not history...they are happenings. "The 1619 Project" is history. It has been thoroughly researched by historians using government records of laws passed, writings of legislators who made laws, records of votes for and against certain legislation, newspaper accounts, anything to reveal cause and effect.
It is a brilliant book and deserves to be studied to some extent at all levels of education. It is also a valuable reference for further study in the future when even more will probably be revealed. So much of what happens is kept secret for good or bad reasons...it takes time to find the truth and that is why we do research.
Context of time is important but never excuses evil deeds, past or present.