Black History

COMMENTARY: Black history can be uncomfortable for some

NASHVILLE PRIDE — While this month is Black History Month, let’s not forget that there is a lot of history that occurred in this country that makes some people both Black and White uncomfortable.

Published

5 years ago

February 8, 2019

Oakland Post

By William T. Robinson, Jr.

While this month is Black History Month, let’s not forget that there is a lot of history that occurred in this country that makes some people both Black and White uncomfortable. The question some are asking is this: Is it appropriate to dilute certain segments or make others more palatable for those learning Black history and still retain historical accuracy? There are some Whites who feel that Black history in America is so horrific and embarrassing that it will make their White children feel ashamed. One must understand that the majority of teachers in this country are White, and you find some who are very uncomfortable teaching Black history—even to the point of trying to teach very little or ignore it altogether, if possible.

Make no mistake that in public and private schools, it is an unwritten law that you don’t do anything that makes White children feel uncomfortable about American history—although it seems acceptable for African Americans and children of color to walk around with low self-esteem resulting in self-hatred. This is all the more reason that our youth (especially African American youth) learn the accomplishments and achievements of people who look like them. They need to understand about the fear and hate existing in those who blatantly and surreptitiously seek to oppress African Americans.

It is paramount that we all should know the Black history encompassing the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans. There is more to our heritage than the tumultuous, demeaning and dehumanizing period of African Americans subjected to slavery, Jim Crow, Black Codes and other forms of discrimination, injustice or equality. A true understanding of Black history in America will make one more knowledgeable of the institutional and systemic racism and discrimination so much a part of our country. We will have a better understanding of the prevailing undercurrent constantly at work trying to relegate African Americans and people of color to second-class status as citizens.

In this climate of racial tension incited by our current president, acknowledging Black history can be pivotal in understanding the role of racism and bigotry shared by a segment of our population longing for the days of yesteryear. Rationalize however you must, but most Africans Americans find it offensive, likening ‘Make America Great Again’ to the days of slavery and blatant White supremacy. A true teaching of Black history can help undo all the lies proliferated by those seeking to trivialize and oppress Blacks.

Black history should be told honestly and truthfully to dismiss the lies and stereotypes perpetuated by those seeking to oppress African Americans by trivializing their worth, intelligence, and achievements. Regardless of how one may feel about history, it happened and you cannot take it back: good or bad. However, African American history can be used as a learning tool, studying mistakes, making possible corrections so that we may go forward in a positive and productive manner.

We owe it to our youth to expose them to the truth with the hope that they will make an unadulterated attempt to undo or correct the ills of their forefathers. Deceiving people does no good but only helps in the continuance of ill-willed and self-serving groups in perpetuating their nefarious agendas.

We must also be mindful that the monumental accomplishments and achievements of African Americans aren’t lessened by the years of slavery and injustice rendered upon Blacks in America. Knowing the truth should give the world a greater appreciation of an intelligent, loving, beautiful, and resilient people.

This article originally appeared in the Nashville Pride.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Black History

Matthew Henson: Explorer Extraordinaire

Matthew Henson, a trailblazing explorer who overcame countless obstacles to leave an incredible mark on history. Born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of adventure.

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Matthew Henson (File Photo)

By Tamara Shiloh

Henson’s life began amidst the backdrop of post-Civil War America, where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. From a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond his small town. At the age of 12, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever when he joined a merchant ship as a cabin boy.

His most famous expedition was his journey to the Arctic with renowned explorer Robert E. Peary. In 1887, Henson joined Peary’s crew as a seaman and quickly proved himself to be invaluable with his skills as a navigator and craftsman. Over the course of several expeditions, Matthew endured extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and grueling conditions as he and Peary sought to reach the elusive North Pole.

In 1908–09, Peary set out on his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole. It was a big expedition, with Peary planning to leave supplies along the way. When he and Henson boarded their ship, the Roosevelt, leaving Greenland on August 18, 1909, they were joined by a large group. This included 22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children, 246 dogs, 70 tons of whale meat, blubber from 50 walruses, hunting gear, and tons of coal.

In February, Henson and Peary left their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, along with the Inuit men and 130 dogs. They worked together to set up a trail and supplies along the way to the Pole.

Peary picked Henson and four Inuit people to join him in the final push to the Pole. However, before they reached their destination, Peary couldn’t walk anymore and had to ride in a dog sled. He sent Henson ahead to scout the way. In a later interview with a newspaper, Henson recalled being in the lead and realizing they had gone too far. The group turned back, and Henson noticed his footprints helped guide them to their destination. At that location, Henson planted the American flag.

Henson’s legacy extends far beyond his expeditions to the Arctic. He shattered racial barriers in the world of exploration and inspired countless individuals, regardless of race, to dream big and pursue their passions. In 1937, he was finally recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into The Explorers Club, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research.

Matthew Henson died in the Bronx, New York, on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88.

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Art

Marin County: A Snapshot of California’s Black History Is on Display

The Marin County Office of Education, located at 1111 Las Gallinas Ave in San Rafael, will host the extraordinary exhibit, “The Legacy of Marin City: A California Black History Story (1942-1960),” from Feb. 1 to May 31, 2024. The interactive, historical, and immersive exhibit featuring memorabilia from Black shipyard workers who migrated from the South to the West Coast to work at the Marinship shipyard will provide an enriching experience for students and school staff. Community organizations will also be invited to tour the exhibit.

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2024

Oakland Post

Early photo of Marin City in the exhibit showing the first department store, barber shop, and liquor store. (Photo by Godfrey Lee)

By Post Staff

The interactive, historical, and immersive exhibit featuring memorabilia from Black shipyard workers who migrated from the South to the West Coast to work at the Marinship shipyard will provide an enriching experience for students and school staff. Community organizations will also be invited to tour the exhibit.

All will have the opportunity to visit and be guided by its curator Felecia Gaston.

The exhibit will include photographs, articles and artifacts about the Black experience in Marin City from 1942 to 1960 from the Felecia Gaston Collection, the Anne T. Kent California Room Collection, The Ruth Marion and Pirkle Jones Collection, The Bancroft Library, and the Daniel Ruark Collection.

It also features contemporary original artwork by Chuck D of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Public Enemy, clay sculptures by San Francisco-based artist Kaytea Petro, and art pieces made by Marin City youth in collaboration with Lynn Sondag, Associate Professor of Art at Dominican University of California.

The exhibit explores how Marin City residents endured housing inequities over the years and captures the history of plans to remove Black residents from the area after World War II. Throughout, it embodies the spirit of survival and endurance that emboldened the people who made Marin City home.

Felecia Gaston is the author of the commemorative book, ‘A Brand New Start…This is Home: The Story of World War II Marinship and the Legacy of Marin City.’ Thanks to the generous contribution of benefactors, a set of Felecia’s book will be placed in every public elementary, middle, and high school library in Marin.

In addition, educators and librarians at each school will have the opportunity to engage with Felecia in a review of best practices for utilizing the valuable primary sources within the book.

“Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to learn from these significant and historical contributions to Marin County, California, and the United States,” said John Carroll, Marin County Superintendent of Schools.

“By engaging with Felecia’s book and then visiting the exhibit, students will be able to further connect their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of this significant historical period,” Carroll continued.

Felecia Gaston adds, “The Marin County Office of Education’s decision to bring the Marin City Historical Traveling Exhibit and publication, ‘A Brand New Start…This is Home’ to young students is intentional and plays a substantial role in the educational world. It is imperative that our community knows the contributions of Marin City Black residents to Marin County. Our youth are best placed to lead this transformation.”

The Marin County Office of Education will host an Open House Reception of the exhibit’s debut on Feb. 1 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.. All school staff, educators, librarians, and community members are encouraged to attend to preview the exhibit and connect with Felecia Gaston. To contact Gaston, email MarinCityLegacy@marinschools.org