Selling Ourselves Short

Another Black History month is upon us and again we are looking at ways in which to celebrate the accomplishments of our ancestors, who have make a profound impact in making America what it is today.  Make no doubt about it, the contributions of African Americans throughout history continue to shape and reshape the American experience.   These contributions include many in medical science, business, education, technology, industry, music, movies, media, civil rights, inventions, politics and sports. 

Since the founding of America, many Black pioneers emerged to pave a way for a better way of living and to foster a much brighter future for upcoming generations.  Some of these notable pioneers are known as trailblazers, rising stars, heroes and champions to various causes, organizations and countless movements.  If we take a closer look at what each of these individuals accomplished during their life time, it would simply be amazing and blow our minds.  What is so remarkable about each of their stories is the fact of that many had to overcome so many obstacles and challenges along the way.   They had to deal with racism, segregation, slavery, injustice, oppression, indifference and discrimination.   However, against so many odds they persevered and left marks that continue to touch so many lives and echo the core principles of being an American. 

Sadly, many modern history books do not include all the accomplishments of African Americans.  A number of them are not even mentioned, listed in the footnotes or as references.  The reasons why vary for these exclusions including having few if any African Americans on the team of writers or editors.  Additionally, there is a lack of appreciation, limited culture intelligence, cultural bias, lack of quality research and a historical perspective to the overall contributions to African Americans in the making of America.   With the lack of inclusion, future generations will struggle to fully understand their role in which their community, culture, ethnic group, and heritage.  But African American history is much deeper, much broader, much richer and much more meaningful.   

In order to ensure that future generations of African Americans gain a better understanding of the contributions of their ancestors, community leaders, churches, and organizations must help to fill in the gaps.  Additionally, teachers in secondary and post-secondary schools must encourage students to explore their roots, show documentary films, provide lectures, hold special events, do reenactments, plays and do research on little known personalities and events.  We must remember that there is more to African American history then what we may read in one history book or another, but that history is all around us and in us.    What do you think?