Do You Know Your History?

I know it isn't February yet, but it doesn't have to be February for you to learn about your history. During 2020, the Telegram News will have a series entitled, 'Pioneers of African American History'. This section will focus on sharing information about unfamiliar African Americans. Most people know about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Madame C. J. Walker, but there are so many others that helped to shape our lives.

I grew up in a household that focused on learning about Black history. We played Black History Bingo, had Black History Trivia games and my parents made sure we visited museums to learn about our history and took trips to expose us to famous people and locations. My siblings and I, all attended a Historically Black College or University where we learned even more history and built upon the pride that we had about being African Americans. Lastly, to help with our learning process, we spent every Sunday with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members that happened to stop by 'The Farm' for that good fellowship. I didn't know it then, but those discussions and lessons helped us to learn our family history. And wouldn't you know it, we have become the history that people can learn about.

The Telegram Newspaper is a Black History fact too. It is the oldest weekly community newspaper that is owned by a Black woman in Michigan. This year we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary. Throughout 2020, we will focus on sharing history about Black people with the purpose of stimulating interest and encouraging people to learn their culture. Carter G. Woodson, started Negro History Week in February 1926 with the goal of making black history accessible to a wider audience. I am picking up the torch that he left. I agree with the statement, 'Knowing the past, opens the door to the future'.

Join with me as we learn, share and teach Black History throughout the year in the pages of the Telegram Newspaper.