Learn Your History

You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.

– Shirley Chisholm

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I haven’t taken a history class in two years. That’s right, since college, history has been a no. I'm learning French history, which is very useful since I want to go to France, but the gaps in my knowledge bother me. It's February, and I want to take more time to learn Black history. If you don’t know why it matters so much to me that I learn Black history, or even why we should all learn Black history, read on.

I went to a predominately Black, Roman Catholic grade school in Hyde Park. I specify Roman Catholic, because I did not attend CPS (Chicago Public Schools) and yes, there is a difference. We learned about Black history every February and my classmates and I would perform as historic figures every year for the entire school. I was Shirley Chisholm, and was very proud since all the teachers said I reminded them of her. You see, Shirley was a very confident, outspoken Black woman who paved the way for future generations of politicians from underrepresented populations. I was a very outspoken and confident child, at least when it came to my passions. (She also looked a bit like my Granny when she was younger, but I could just be seeing things)

The faculty and staff were a mixture of Black and White adults, younger and older, Christian and Jewish. Hyde Park is a rather affluent neighborhood, full of young college kids attending the University of Chicago, as well as professors and their families. Students would visit and teach us about law, science, and the wonder that is a college education. My teachers wanted us to be proud of our cultures and see ourselves thriving in the world. It was a unique childhood.

Most students, as I’ve come to know, did not come from this type of background. Many don’t know Shirley, or Jesse Owens, Mae Jemison, or even Thurgood Marshall. (Seriously, how can you not know Thurgood Marshall?) I can name so many historical figures that are White (majority males), that it feels as if Black people didn't contribute to US History in any way? I know. Just typing that makes me VERY angry, but it's the truth. The whitewashing of history is a common practice in this country. Newsflash: Black history is US history. In fact, Native American history, Asian American History, Polish American History, etc. - you get the picture - all make up the whole of American history. The lives of your family, friends, and neighbors is affected by the past. The past created this present.  

Every week I’ll research a Black historical figure, and tell you all about them in relatable ways. The history we learned in grade school was not the same as high school, and now that we’re adults there’s no excuse not to know all the nitty-gritty details of the lives of those we celebrate, or admonish. One month isn’t enough time to understand an entire culture, but I hope every post educates you on the lives of those who are different from you, AND inspires you to see the world a bit differently. 

This post was inspired by my fellow writer Paige Waskow. Check out her article on white privilege, and don't forget to leave a comment down below!

To see photos of all the people mentioned, please click their names:
Shirley Chisholm
Mae Jemison
Thurgood Marshall
Jesse Owens

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Sources
"Jesse Owens Pictures and Images". gettyimages. gettyimages, 2019. February 8, 2019. Web. <https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/jesse-owens?family=editorial&mediatype=photography&phrase=jesse%20owens&sort=mostpopular>.
"Mae Jemison Pictures and Images". gettyimages. gettyimages, 2019. February 8, 2019. Web. <https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/jesse-owens?family=editorial&mediatype=photography&phrase=jesse%20owens&sort=mostpopular>.
Michals, Debra. "Shirley Chisholm." National Women's History Museum. National Women's History Museum, 2015. 5 February 2019. Web. <https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/shirley-chisholm>.
Moss, LeAnn. “45 Quotes from Black Leaders on Mindset, Progress, and Making an Impact”. Bossedup. Bossedup.org, Feb 2018. February 8, 2019. Web. <https://bossedup.org/45-quotes-from-black-leaders-on-mindset-progress-and-making-an-impact/>.
"Shirley Chisholm Pictures and Images". gettyimages. gettyimages, 2019. February 8, 2019. Web.<https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/jesse-owens?family=editorial&mediatype=photography&phrase=jesse%20owens&sort=mostpopular>.
"Thurgood Marshall Pictures and Images". gettyimages. gettyimages, 2019. February 8, 2019. Web.<https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/jesse-owens?family=editorial&mediatype=photography&phrase=jesse%20owens&sort=mostpopular>.