FROM THE FIRST LADY

Black History is America’s History

By: Mrs. Cathelean Steele, Founder, Justice for Girls

The month of February has come and gone once again. American dedicated February as a month to celebrate African American history throughout the United States. However, the controversy surrounding observing the history of African Americas is becoming as problematic as including the history of African Americans in the everyday teaching of American History.

I recently read an article written by Cathy Rainone, she makes the argument that “African Americans history begins on the African continent.” The power structure in American does not want us and especially our youth to know that our ancestors thrived for thousands of years before becoming enslaved in America. Africans traded gold, ivory and salt with people from other civilizations.

Ms. Rainone’s article points out that African colonies with large scale civilizations had tax systems, irrigation systems and universities. Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, a professor of American history at the University of Texas at Austin is quoted in this article stating “That’s where the curriculum should begin.”

What is our problem in American? why is it that the powers to be do not want Black Americans or White Americans to know that African Americans history did not begin with slavery in the American colonies. Why is that White Americans do not want their children to know about Juneteenth, Bloody Sunday, Ocoee, Florida or Emmett Till.

I read in an article recently, that White Americans do not want their children to feel guilty about slavery. America cannot be allowed to whip out the history of a people because of guilt. We, the people of America should be taught the history of America.

The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves, but freedom was not guaranteed. President Lincoln was assassinated and Andrew Johnson became the president. Johnson was opposed to the Fourteenth Amendment which gave citizenship to the former slaves. President Johnson’s actions allowed the southern states to enact the black codes. Unfortunately, his actions led to lynching and the practice of leasing of convicts which was an abhorrent abuse of African Americans.

African American historians also advocate for the overhaul of the curriculum that teaches African American history. The concern that needs to be addressed is why African American history is only a chapter or a paragraph in the history books. The civil rights movement made great achievements among the races however, this nation is still overlooking the struggle among African Americans for a social justice system that is equal.

I recently read an article that read as follows. “Educators say it’s important that Black students learn about their history and that non- Black students understand the humanity of Blackness as well as the long history of systematic racism that extends to this day and affects their Black peers.”

There are a few school systems that offer African American history as an elective. I personally believe that African American history is America’s history and should be included in every chapter in our history books. However, I am not opposed to an elective class on African American Studies.

Supports Equal Opportunity for All, Regardless of Race, Creed, Sex, Age, Disability, or Ethnic Background