African American History is American History

So you probably know that Harriet Tubman led over 70 slaves to their freedom via the Underground Railroad. But did you know that she was a spy for the Union Army and struggled for women’s suffrage?  And surely you know that in 2008 President Barack Obama was the first African American elected to this nation’s highest office and the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review but did you know that Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to run for the presidency during her tenure as the first black woman elected to Congress and “unapologetically gay”?  

It’s February and it’s African American History month. Some people may think that designating a month to a particular group may be unnecessary but it provides an excellent opportunity to expose our families to people and places outside of our everyday experiences.  As great as this country is-and this country is great-we’ve had our challenges. And those challenges speak to the very heart of the values Americans hold most sacred-liberty and justice for all. There was no Statute of Liberty welcoming the huddled masses yearning to be free when the first enslaved Africans arrived here in 1526 in a part of what is now South Carolina and yet the quest for freedom and equality sought by African Americans created a spark for all groups denied access because of gender, race, ethnicity or sexual preference. Yes, as the founding fathers were basking in the afterglow of winning their freedom from tyrannical Old King George they were purchasing human chattel, strategizing on how to contain the “red devil” menace and uncomfortable with the idea of women voting.  But teaching our children American history necessitates teaching all of it-not just the parts that we like or how we kicked everybody’s butt.  The African American experience may be unique as its origins are bound-literally-to the legacy of slavery but the struggle for dignity and validity is as American as jazz. History not only provides us with opportunities to learn from our mistakes, it also lends itself to the many reasons we should celebrate being part of the larger human experience.

African American history isn't all in the past. Everyone can do their part to ensure equality and harmony between all races. Head to your local library or online for ideas and activities.