Tell Me Something Good Thursday--Our Voice, One History
photo courtesy of loc.gov
When you think about the history of African-Americans, certain iconic figures come to mind; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman…the only figures that the educational system felt suitable for our learning. I could really go on ranting for days about the educational system and the teaching of African-American history, but I won’t, at least not today.
Outside of those extraordinary iconic figures, there were the nameless, unseen people who contributed to the struggle and progress of African-Americans. Finally, those people will have their say. Recently Congress approved a five-year project that involves recording and collecting the oral histories of normal ordinary civil rights pioneers, people like our grandparents and great-grandparents; the project is currently awaiting the signature of President Obama. Using audio and/or video the first-hand testimonies would be made available to the public through the Library of Congress and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The project is set to start in October and it is estimated to cost about $500,000 the first year.
I was really overwhelmed after reading about this project. I feel very strongly about my history and the history of America where African-Americans are concerned. I give praise to my mother and my aunt, who early on, encouraged me to research, read, and learn about my history outside of those chosen by the educational system. This project is great in the sense that it will fill gaps and holes in our history, which involved hundreds of thousands of people.
To read more about this project refer to the following links:
Library of Congress, Voices of Civil Rights
Dallas News
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5 comments:
great post!
We need to know all those unknown people who contributed to the progress of African American civil rights.
Let's cross our fingers for the project to be successful.
@lazyking, thanks for stopping by! i can't wait to see how this project turns out. i've been telling people about it, in hopes that some will take part.
I hope President approves it so we can learn more about African American history.
I've just been thinking about interviewing my grandparents for our family history. So many times I hear the regret in my loved ones voices because they have lost facts, memories or recipes when they loss their loved one. If we don't take the time to record our history it will be gone for good.
I remember American History class changed a lot between Houston and Detroit. Slavery was barely mentioned in 5th grade. I did not learn about African American history until 10th grade. I think that project will make a world of difference to so many.
@jasmine, i'm sure he will approve it. it is very important to the history of the US.
@llnl, outside of researching on my own throughout middle and high school, which was encouraged by my mom and aunts, my first real, in-depth african american history course was in college, my sophomore year. some of the facts i learned, i had come across in my own research, but many were still unknown to me. i thank my professor, who by the way, was a great professor, for pouring all of that knowledge into me.
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