| Desiree
created the following essay for the San Jose/Evergreen Valley
District Board in response to the question, "Why is it important
to study African American history?" She received a $300 prize
and special recognition at a ceremony on the Evergreen Valley
College campus. I think she is heroic in her vision and determination
to lead the way towards an America of true equality. -- Lorraine
 African-American
history is one of constantly turning adversity into advantage.
It is a history rich with lessons that should be shared among
people of all races. There is much to be learned by all. Today
it is common to hear phrases such as “global village”, however
American’s cannot truly grow in the global community until
we foster an understanding of the diverse cultures that embodies
a typical American. The United States is unique from many
other countries in that it is made up of people from various
ethnic backgrounds, with different features, dialects and
cultures. These varying characteristics add to our uniqueness
as Americans and the history of each group provides a tool
for breaking down barriers among races. Ultimately, our differences
need to be understood to live amongst one another.
“We
must respect the rights and properties of our fellowman. And
then learn to play the game of life according to the rules
of society. If you can take that and put it into practice
in the community in which you live, then, to me you have won
the greatest championship.” - Jesse Owens
Being
an American isn’t learning to speak in the chromium dialects
of our neighbors, nor is it denying one’s own culture to gain
acceptability by another. Being an American is celebrating
the differences in others while appreciating that which makes
us unique. It is important to study African-American history
because of the impact that African-American benefaction has
had on our society. It is a history that is as significant
any other documented history; therefore it should be included
in the curriculum in classrooms across the United States.
African-American contributions to American history are embedded
into our society. . The lessons learned from studying African-American
history cannot be confined to only a select few, as it can
be beneficial to all Americans. All races can benefit from
the depth, experiences, knowledge and the complexity of those
of African descent. Life lessons are learned when one tries
to understand what is unfamiliar to their own experiences.
“Mix
a conviction with a man and something happens.” - Adam Clayton
Powell
The
more that I learn of African-American history, the more I
feel fortified, nourished and justified. African-American
history has impacted my life because it is a source of strength.
We can hold our heads up high with the knowledge that our
history is filled with inventors, scientists, philosophers,
and authors among many other notable professions. With names
such as Langston Hughes, Blanche Kelso Bruce and A. Philip
Randolph we can be assured that our people have been a valuable
addition to the history of the American people. Our legacy
is one of triumph.
“I
felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander
Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process
of the amendment, interpretation, and court decision, I have
finally been included in ‘We, the people’.” - Barbara Jordan
African-Americans
have overcome many obstacles including slavery, poverty, lack
of education, discrimination and limited resources to make
the best of every situation. The precedence for outstanding
accomplishments by African-American has been made, as is exemplified
throughout our history. My children can do or be anything
that they would like because a vast array of societal accomplishments
have been made by people who look just like them. Historical
icons emblazoned with deep ebony, bronze and caramel hues
belong to them.
African-American
History provides a legacy for our youth. It provides a forum
in which dreams can come true. It allows our children to read
history books and know that they are not only an essential
part of American history, but their people helped America
become the great nation that it is today. Our history provides
a complete understanding of the influences that have helped
shape who we are and what makes us unique.
“The
right of every American to first-class citizenship is the
most important issue of our time.” - Jackie Robinson
Everyday,
we are faced with working with, living near and having friendships
with those of other races. In our fast paced society, interaction
with those of other races in the twenty-first century is growing.
Somehow we have to learn how to live in harmony. Studying
African-American history for all races is the implementation
of becoming unified. Until we integrate history, we cannot
truly be “One Nation, under God, indivisible…with liberty
and justice for all”.
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