Black History — Re-Imaging Content

Summary

The website content discusses the need for a broader perspective on Black history, beyond the commonly highlighted figures and events, emphasizing the importance of recognizing a wider range of historical contributions and successful African-American communities.

Abstract

The article titled "New Content for Black History Month" addresses the limitations of the traditional narrative surrounding Black history, which often focuses on a handful of figures and their achievements. It argues for a more comprehensive approach to education and public relations that includes lesser-known success stories and a deeper exploration of African-American history. The piece references Medium writer Joel A. Johnson, who criticizes the tendency to overlook historical successes in favor of narratives of misery. The article also mentions the personal intent of the author to delve into the history of Isabella, depicted in a painting by Simon Wilhelm Maris. The sources section provides links to related articles and newsletters that offer a more nuanced view of Black history, including stories of African-American communities in the 1800s and 1900s, the history of a people as covered by the NIH Newsletter, and profiles of notable Black inventors.

Opinions

Educators and corporations are encouraged to present a more diverse view of Black history, moving beyond the traditional focus on a few notable individuals.
There is a critical view of the current state of Black history education, which is seen as repetitive and limited in scope.
The article suggests that the full breadth of African-American civilization, culture, memory, and storytelling is not adequately represented in the current observance of Black History Month.
The author expresses a personal commitment to exploring and sharing the untold stories of African-American history, such as the history of Isabella.

A solution to what society often overlooks

Rijksmuseum: Isabella, by Simon Wilhelm Maris, 1922. In the Public Domain in its source country and the United States

“We will talk in 28 days about how many things George Washington Carver did with that peanut, … what Sojourner Truth did, where Harriet Tubman went, what Frederick Douglas wrote, how Malcolm was brave, … and how King did this, that and the other. It hardly represents civilization, culture, memory, and story that are thousands of years long.” — Professor Randall Robinson

Recently, Medium writer Joel A. Johnson presented an inspiring point of view (see One-Track Mind Storytelling below). Johnson wrote that ignoring overlooked historical success stories was often the case. And there was too much focus on misery during Black History Month.

For starters, every educator should heed Johnson’s point of view when teaching students Black history — and corporations should consider it as well when using Black history content for PR purposes.

As for me, I plan to find out more about the history of Isabella, pictured at the top of this page.

Thank you for reading.

New Content for Black History Month

A solution to what society often overlooks

Sources

One-Track Mind Storytelling

History Teachers Fail To Cover Successful African-American Communities In The 1800s & 1900s

NIH Clinical Center

Secretary Thompson held a press conference at NIH last month where he addressed questions concerning his first months…

How Robert Smalls’ Found Freedom on Maritime Underground Railroad

The story of a Union army veteran, Congressman, and Black hero

Famous Black Inventors: How Many Do You Know? | Finding Your Niche

According to Professor Randall Robinson, they trot out the story of George Washington Carver and his peanut discovery…