America’s history lessons are filled with omissions.
What America’s education refuses to teach is very telling.
And many Americans are just fine not knowing.
But it’s with that lack of knowledge and acknowledgment that we judge.
And it’s amazing the potential for errors
When facts are left out as we make decisions.
Some parents don’t even want what’s being taught
During Black History month.
Adding to the ignorance and ills of the Nation.
Nicole Hannah Jones outlined a truth that impacts US today.
And is not given much thought or weight –
That even in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was written
The proclamation of “all men are created equal”
Did not ring true for Blacks, not yet considered citizens.
It wasn’t until 1865 that slavery was abolished.
But of course the attempts to keep White power was not demolished.
Citizenship not granted until 1868.
But not allowed to vote, at polling places they were turned away.
The 15th Amendment came in 1870,
For their Right to vote, their journey wasn’t easy.
Indigenous Americans had to wait even more.
Their Right to vote didn’t come until 1924.
And some Whites tried to control progress
By placing limits and barriers within America’s systems.
With America’s advancement and improvements
Some never meant for that minority inclusion.
So they were motivated to perpetuate injustice and inequality
Which remains prevalent in American society.
But some of US who came later don’t care to know.
The plight of those who grew up under the laws of Jim Crow.
And some apply the trauma, history, experience and stories
From their old Country to US.
Which in truth has less relevance.
And may even be to the detriment of those who were here before.
And may even lead to America being destroyed.
The history of how America was built is affecting America still.
Generational trauma is real.
And from that America needs to heal.
Sometimes we bury or hide from the past.
And then wonder why our progress doesn’t last.
Not recognizing the baggage that’s in tow.
So making attempts to move tends to be slow.
And until we lighten the load.
It is with limited energy that we pursue our goals.
Clarity of then can bring more honesty to here and now.
And a more robust path for the future.
Ignoring Black history will not erase Blacks from American Society.
And emancipation on the books didn’t guarantee free.
The lack of such historical context can lead to dishonest.
How can America have true integration –
When the history of Blacks
Is a minimal part of American History Education?
The American Dream was the beacon that brought many of US here.
Men are created equal – so all who come can get a fair share.
An elusive dream for many Indigenous and African Americans.
As certain groups have managed to keep an upper hand.
And many of US without the trauma have buried our heads in the sand.
Worse yet, we contribute to their disenfranchisement.
America is at a crossroad and Republicans are choosing
The side that says White should reign and others are for losing.
No equality under the law.
Power only to the Republican cause.
An imperfect Republic with a bold Dream.
History repeats, as they continuously try to restrict that path for equality.