Over the years of schooling, I’ve been subject to learning European history. Though I have been taught a good amount of African American history, most of it has been from online sources and through film and video content. As a film major, I prefer the film and video content, but I also don’t mind reading up on matters like African American literature as they are important to me. I’ve read a few articles online which I found by searching general phrases like: “the African American history of braiding and handshakes” and “Black inventions.”
However, I shouldn’t have to resort to sources outside of school to learn about a topic that should be covered in school. It’s like schools purposely refrain from teaching the history that makes European people look bad, which is most of it. I remember not knowing what Christopher Columbus really did until high school when one of my teachers took the time to explain to the class in depth how he didn’t just sail the ocean blue in 1942, but he and his men also killed and raped the Native people of the land they took over.
As a mixed-race young woman, it’s important I learn about all of the history that makes up my ethnicity, especially in the place of learning and not just on my own.
My dad played a vital role in what I know about African American history. He has encouraged my brother and I to do our research and watch the footage on African American deprivation and dehumanization. He even visited Africa, the homeland, to further his education on slavery and see for himself the hardships African Americans went through not too long ago.
Of course, different forms of slavery still exist but things have gotten substantially better as people stood up for their rights and fought for what’s right. Well known figures like Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall aren’t the only ones I’m referring to. There were other background characters that played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement who weren’t named in textbooks or given their own movie.
Most people believe that slavery is long gone, but as I learned watching films and opening my eyes to it, I’ve noticed it in various entities like the work force and through taxation. Individuals are still being controlled and oppressed by the government. The cycle continues as some from older generations pass down their corrupt ways of thinking. However, I’ve also learned from observation that some in the newer generations, whether they were taught right or not, can develop a mind of their own apart from what some try to pass down. I’ve seen it watching protests. I’ve seen it online watching video content from people of both African descent and other cultures. I’ve also seen it at the polls as more and more young people are expressing their right to vote.
It gives me hope that one day there will be change and all will be right with the world. I see a future of equality and peace on Earth. I hope I live to see it.
written by Regan Murray
BTB University Student
May 2025