“If you want to make a difference, get involved,” in
the quote that continues to be used by national and local community leaders throughout
America these days. This includes exercising
your right to vote, attending community forums, being active in campaigns,
volunteering at schools, libraries, churches, community centers, participating
in charity walks, runs, clean ups, supporting outreach events and passing out flyers
and brochures. Building community is an
ongoing activity that reflects the common good in people who want to be more
than a bystander, on looker or detractor, but rather want to be known as a stakeholder.
In many aspects the price of getting involved has
not fully been understood and appreciated in determining future outcomes and
the lasting effectives that come as a result.
For most, getting involved has never been the problem; no matter the
size or scope of the event, but rather the question is “will my involvement
make a difference and will someone tell the story?” In recent years, it is becoming increasing harder
for people to get involved when so much of what has been gained has been lost,
forgotten or just omitted by those who report and record history.
What
is Going On
It is both fascinating and shocking about what can
be found in many modern American History books in elementary, high schools and universities. A lot has been left out, especially about the
untold contributions of people of color, religious groups and faith communities. Far too often, people write things about
others without really knowing much about them, from their point of view, from their
cultural heritage, from what they read or hear from others.
There is a need for reliable history writers and
storytellers in the 21st century from diverse and multicultural
groups. The need is critical, especially to tell a
quality reflective history that includes the noteworthy contributions of the
various cultural groups that continue to make up the American experience. America is different, its history is unique,
its makeup is complex, however it is changing fast, it is more diverse and this
evolution is becoming more real with each passing day.
Lasting
Value
The need to get it right from the past is vital so
that the future becomes even more amazing.
To read about the human links, connections, sacrifices, contributions of
men and women of a grateful nation and society is to know “that we did not
build this by ourselves.” It is learn
about the gifts, talents, inventions, dreams, struggles and the fights for equality
and justice. My story and the story of countless others are
important and should not be overlooked or undersold. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, once president of Atlanta
University once said that “Once a deed is done, the consequence is out of your
hands.” That is the beauty of history so
that others may know of the deeds of others, regardless of their color, heritage, faith and beliefs.
It is hard to know what the real impact history has
on those who read, and study history, but that is the real value of it all … to
just know. It is to know that what was
done for the good of the society should never be forgotten by those who
benefited. It is to know that each
generation produces a countless number of true hero’s and they made a difference. It is to know that what makes America so
special is that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and that should be
duly noted.
Like the US Military, we must “Remember the Fallen” and
that ensures that those who have gone before, served or have paid the ultimate price
will never be forgotten and that their collective voices are still heard. All “good
societies” are reflective of its people, whose memories fade over time, but
their voices are still heard and their lives did count for something. Telling the whole truth and nothing but the
truth is what history is about and it is what people really want… so let’s just
tell the truth.
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