OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
It’s Only a Myth, Not Historical Fact – Columbus Did Not Discover America How many of you remember a popular rhyme which children learned in the first years of school which went something like this: “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue?” The saying, which for decades held a prominent place within the canon of recitations that were memorized by every child during their primary grades, served as an integral part of America’s myth behind our nation’s origins. It essentially posited the “historical fact” that North America – specifically the United States, owed its “discovery” to the ingenuity of the Italian explorer – the first reported European to land on our shores after traveling the Atlantic Ocean with his crew on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María. And so, Columbus would soon be lauded as the man who ushered in a new era in human history with statues later erected in his honor and even a national holiday designated to mark his accomplishments. Ironically, historians, either through human error or by design, would fail to note that North America had previously been “discovered” by someone else – people of whom we today refer as Native Americans. Perhaps they failed to make U.S. history books because their skin color did not meet the more “preferred” global standard from yesteryear: “white.” Still, history, by its definition, must not only provide an undisputed record and analysis of past events, but must also be flexible enough to allow for updates or revisions upon the discovery of new details or additional events that further clarify or expand narratives. Fortunately, many more Americans recognize the necessity of reporting and repeating history which is undergirded by facts rather than myths, especially those that have since been proven to be false. Perhaps that’s why Columbus Day, in recent years, has given way in a growing number of U.S. cities, counties and states to Indigenous People’s Day – a counter-celebration which honors Native Americans and commemorates their histories and cultures, still observed on the second Monday of October. Nonetheless, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, further perpetuating a myth that no longer bears any resemblance to the truth. In holding fast to this narrative which seems to affirm white supremacy, Donald Trump shared his thoughts on Monday, Oct. 12, railing against those who would dispute the myth of Columbus as “radical activists” and “extremists.” “Rather than learn from our history, this radical ideology and its adherents seek to revise it, deprive it of any splendor and mark it as inherently sinister,” Trump said. The Washington Informer finds his summation to be disheartening which further contributes to the disavowal of America’s history that has been shaped due to our uniquely diverse population of citizens. Further, we disagree with the president’s assertion that by adhering to the truth, such Americans are willingly “spreading hate and division.” Here’s the history lesson for today: Columbus did “not” discover America. WI
A Life-Line for D.C.’s Unemployed Workers The District’s unemployment rate continues to rise due to COVID-19, with August’s preliminary job estimates showing a loss of 13,900 for a total of 740,500 jobs. In September, the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) reported a loss of 6,300 private-sector jobs and 7,600 jobs in the public sector. These numbers not only paint a dark picture of the state of unemployment in the District, but they also speak to the overall financial toll the pandemic is having on thousands of District unemployed workers across all eight wards, and the ability of one local agency to manage it. A lifeline for unemployed workers exists, but many are unaware of the D.C. unemployment compensation programs managed by DOES available to them. For example, workers who received unemployment compensation but reached the end of their initial 26 weeks of benefits may still be eligible for an additional 13-week extension. Yet, in D.C., they must apply, unlike in other states where the extension is automatic. Also, there is the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for self-employed individuals seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation. According to the Department of Labor, to qualify for the 39-week compensation program, one must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially
TO THE EDITOR Up for Debate I wanted to know if The Washington Informer ever thought about hosting a debate for those running for office locally? I think it would be great to have our Black newspaper give Black ward candidates a chance to speak specifically to our issues unapologetically. I think this will do the community a lot of good when it comes to being informed as voters. Betty Rogers Washington, D.C.
unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. But who knows this? At-Large Councilmember Elisa Silverman, chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, held a public hearing last month with DOES officials to review their response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. She followed up this week with a letter to Director Unique Morris-Hughes in which she stated, “One of the major takeaways from the testimony is that DOES communications need to be strengthened to help claimants better un-
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A Wealth of Economic Info I truly received valuable information from the Financial Supplement. There was a lot about “new age banking” that I didn’t know and I’m glad I took the time to read and find out more. Financial info is especially important at this time as the pandemic has done a number on many of our finances. Jillian Fletcher Laurel, Md.
derstand both how programs work and how to engage with DOES to iron out issues with their claims.” Workers, she said, “are relying on these funds to survive.” And, she’s correct. We don’t know how long this pandemic will last, nor do we know how much longer these programs will be available to provide much-needed life-support to local workers. What we do know is that the resources are there now, and we support Councilmember Silverman’s persistence in ensuring DOES is fully engaged in informing and meeting the needs of the District’s unemployed workers. WI
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