Your Thoughts – Telling Black history

TELLING OUR STORIES

BY KARIN DAVIS-THOMPSON

As the debate continues about what schools should teach in classrooms around race and America’s complicated history from slavery to segregation, many fear that students won’t get a true picture of Black history, not just around the issue of discrimination, but even the contributions of people of color and their impact on the world we live in. ONYX Magazine asked several readers for their opinion, and why they believe it is important to continue to tell the story of Black people in 2023.

KEISHA MCGEE Pastry Chef – Sweets on a Sunday Apollo Beach

As a Black woman in America, it is important for me to understand the foundation of the people that came before me. Too often, Black history is associated only with slavery and many feel that this history and information drives distance between people of color and Caucasian Americans. To me, Black history is far more complex and involves not only the negative but the positive too. Knowing the history of slavery and then knowing where we are today, gives me assurance, courage, hope, and faith. It shows that we are multi dimensional, capable of persevering and accomplishing our goals even though we are surrounded by disparities many Americans aren’t subjected to.

AVERY BOYD Student Florida A&M University c/o 2023 Tallahassee

As a Black man and a student at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), there has never been a more important time in my life to know more about my history. It’s a time when people want to stamp out the things they don’t want to discuss, but it happened, and it’s important that we acknowledge that while at the same time celebrating all that we have been able to accomplish even through adversity. Even through the struggle, we are a brilliant people with a rich history and a major contribution to the world. PASTOR CHARLES DAVIS College Hill Church of God in Christ Tampa

I believe what they say is true: the story of Black history is American history. Just as you would not stop telling the story of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, you should not stop telling the story of George Washington Carver or Rosa Parks. Their contributions and struggles are just as important as any one else in history. It is important that we teach all of our children about the world they live in and how things came to be the way they are today, even the parts we aren’t proud of. It is all what got us where we are today.

TIFFENY CROSS National Field Manager, Diagnostics Clermont

Growing up in the 70s, our books did not have enough regarding Black history. Thankfully, I was fortunate to have grown up in a household where my parents made sure we knew our Black history. Blacks and other races need to know about those who helped cultivate the culture of this country. There is a need to shine a light on these prominent Blacks and tell the truth. Folks will be surprised at what they will learn and will hopefully share this history with others.

LONAY BOSTIC Executive Director, HR & Organizational Development Miramar

We have a responsibility to ensure that these stories continue to showcase that Black people have great diversity of backgrounds, cultures, circumstances, viewpoints and opinions. This provides the building blocks for additional perspectives to be considered by all races and ethnicities and gives greater opportunity to find common ground in shared experiences. There is also something very powerful in these stories that you can identify with as a Black person. It serves as confirmation for those that aspire to follow that failure can be avoided and that success is indeed possible.

WE ARE THE GRIOTS WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR.

RONALD THOMPSON Assistant Principal Riverview

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we tell our story. There is so much that our children don’t know. Even as an adult, I am in awe of the things I am still learning about the contributions of Black people. In a time when so many want to rewrite history, we must stay vigilant and insist that we confront what makes us uncomfortable about the past while embracing our path forward and all that we have been able to accomplish in spite of it. How can we celebrate where we’ve come from if we don’t talk about it?

TRE’ESA BATTLES Founder of the Artist Paj’on Scholarship Foundation Tampa

Black History Month began as a way of remembering important people and the historical events within the African diaspora. It is a time to honor those whose shoulders we stand on and appreciate them for their sacrifice. My generation has seen the first African American president, the first African American female vice president, we now own banks, grocery stores, and are CEOs of corporations. It would be impossible to know just how significant that is if we didn’t know our history. As some try to steal our history or rewrite what really happened, the only way to make sure our children and our children’s children know the truth is if we tell the real story. ELIJAH FLEWELLEN Transportation Coordinator Saint Petersburg

It is important to continue sharing stories of Black history in order to remind others that people who look like us are capable and willing to do the impossible. We must show others, both young and old, that no matter how difficult or adverse, Black people continue to rise above and thrive, no matter the environment or obstacl

TEE CHAMBERS TRC Events and Consulting Wesley Chapel

It’s always interesting, the debate about whether Black history is still relevant. How can anyone understand the importance of things like the first Black president or the first Black vice president if you don’t know the history? For many in the mainstream, the discussion of Black history makes them uncomfortable because there are definite truths they don’t want to confront. But how can you make sure you don’t repeat the past if you never talk about it? There is so much to our history, and so much that we have contributed to American history. It deserves to be celebrated and remembered. So, let’s talk about it.

ONYX Magazine wants to hear from our readers. Would you like to write a letter to the editor? Or suggest a question for Your Thoughts? Email us at connect@onyxmagazine.com with the subject line Your Thoughts/Editor.