The importance of knowing Black History and your roots
8th February 2021 · 0 Comments
As we celebrate Black History Month, we should remember that we are Black 24-7, 365 days a year. We should remember that we’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to achieve racial and economic equality. We can celebrate the first Black and female vice president but be mindful of the reality that we can’t take our foot off the pedal. We must persist in our pursuit of the American Dream. Most of all, we need to acquire an intimate knowledge of Black history and trace our roots because this knowledge will give us the strength to overcome any and all obstacles.
The late, great civil rights activist, Kwame Touré (Stokely Carmichael), spoke to Dillard University students in the mid-1980s about the importance of Black History and embracing their cultural heritage. A president of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), but Carmichael will always be remembered for the mantra “Black Power,” which started a new generation on a quest for civil and human rights.
Addressing the women students, Carmichael asked why some straightened their hair. “You’re beautiful as you are,” he said. “Besides, in a matter of two weeks, Mother Nature will let you know who you are and whose you are,” he said smiling.
He imparted this criticism delicately and with mirth, but the civil rights activist’s statement was deep and profound. What Touré tried to get across to the students is that they should embrace who they are and whose they are and that they belonged to Mother Africa.
Black students who have studied Black history will tell you the effect such studies have had on their psyches.
Knowing Black history and the struggles of those who came generations before – from slavery, through segregation and the modern Civil Rights Movement up to today’s Black history makers and living legends – infuses one with a sense of pride, a belief that if our forebearers went through all they did and survived, then we surely can move forward and onward to successful lives.
A cursory look at Black people who have contributed to every segment of society – politicians, civil rights leaders, Black inventors, engineers, architects, educators, musicians, athletes, attorneys, publishers, judges, authors, actors, filmmakers, pastors, journalists, chefs, entrepreneur, innovators and other acclaimed figures who have made history – illustrates the greatness of those who knew that necessity is the mother of invention and, as such, they heeded the advice of Booker T. Washington, who said “Cast down your buckets where you are,” and they did and are still making something great out of nothing, despite poverty, obstacles, legal segregation, employment, financial, education and housing discrimination and structural racism.
Those who haven’t studied Black history and are not in HCBUs can embark on a journey of self-taught knowledge. Talk to the leaders and achievers in your community, talk to your parents and other relatives, talk to the educators you know. Listen and document the Black history they share.
Then answer the question: Who are you? If you haven’t already started searching for your roots and your family tree, start by interviewing your relatives. They will tell you what they know about your shared ancestors.
Look up Census Records from the 19th and 20th centuries. You can visit the Louisiana Division of the main branch of the New Orleans Public Library. They have genealogical records, and you may search obituary records, city directories, and newspaper announcements (birth and death – like those published by The Louisiana Weekly back in the day). If you’re so inclined, you could also visit the Louisiana Archives in Baton Rouge and trace your lineage there. These sources are free. You could discover that some of your relatives made valuable contributions to society or that there were hard-working, enterprising people.
There are also search engines like Ancestry.com that cost a nominal monthly subscription fee.
We get the strength to fight for our rights, the patience, the boldness, the courage, and survival instincts from our ancestors and generations of Black achievers. Knowing our personal and American Black histories gives up the “Black power” to overcome anything naysayers can throw at us.
The point is this: Knowing where you came from and whose you are can inform and give you the confidence to be whoever and whatever you choose. You can demand, as they did and still do, to be judged by the content of your character. You can cancel out the white noise and behavioral conditioning that society has subliminally seduced you into believing and know that you can achieve what you will, despite those who try to falsely devalue you.
At the very least, knowing Black history and your roots offer a panoramic view and timeline of the indomitable spirit that existed and still exists in the mind and souls of Black folk. That is our legacy and ours alone. Take the best of their attributes with you as you work toward making your dreams come true.
This article originally published in the February 8, 2021 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
