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INCLUSION
What Do You Wish More People Knew About Black History?
We have to be the change we want to see
Black history is essential, like brown sugar in a buttercream pie. And yet, far too many states treat the topic like a social taboo. So far, at least thirty-six states adopted or introduced laws or policies that prohibit or restrict teaching about race or racism. Coincidently, many stories are quickly becoming hidden history — a whitewashing campaign in real-time. Sadly, conservatives aren't considering what a buttercream pie would taste like without sugar or how misleading it is to teach students about history while leaving out any contributions made by Black people. However, that got me thinking we must be the change we want to see.
If we want more people to have access to black history and understand its relevance, then we have to share that information with one another and newer generations. This inspired me to ask, "What is a piece of black history you wish more people knew?" While these laws are designed to stop teachers from including black history in the classroom, nothing can stop citizens from discussing these topics at their leisure. Whether you are a college professor, a high school, middle school, or primary school teacher, or love to learn and share black history with others, you have a role to play. The responses I received from this question proposed on the social media platform formally known as Twitter were intriguing.
For example, Ryan Nickerson wished more people understood "Black people's role in the American Revolution." Indeed, many people have heard about Crispus Attucks, the first man to die for the rebellion in the Boston Massacre. As a Black and Indigenous man, his death has often been used as an early example of Black American patriotism. However, at least 20,000 Black people fought on the side of the British during the Revolution, significantly more than those who fought for the American side, because Dunmore's Proclamation promised freedom in return for their service. This is something that isn't often taught.
The Zinn Education Project chimed in to say, "Countless African Americans protested injustices on public transportation on an almost daily basis dating back to the 19th century. Many people think either Rosa Parks…
