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Many Rivers to Cross
African-American history has played an integral role in the shaping of politics, economics, and culture in the United States. Growing up, how did you learn about the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans? Were you in a classroom? Reading a book? Talking with relatives or friends? How has your understanding or knowledge of African-American history changed and/or developed over time? What do you think is the most effective way to pass along this rich and growing history to future generations?

Lucinda Lynch

Dear Henry Louis Gates,
Your documentary “Many Rivers To Cross” was fantastic. It made me learn so much about black history. I never realized how bad it really was. I collected names of many important people in black history and looked into them. These people had done brilliant things that needed courage, braver, and much more.
I enjoyed the orders of the of the videos. For example, you went from the start of slavery to black treatment in 2013. It’s amazing to think that once anyone with dark skin was treated so terribly and today we have a black president. Though we have gotten a lot better we still have work to do.
I want to thank you for teaching me so much about black history. Your documentary has inspired me to learn more about african americans.
I think it is important that many people watch your documentary, because it is important that the world realizes how bad slavery was. It is important that we prevent this from happening again and we treat each other equally no matter what color our skin is.
One of my favorite quotes that you used in your documentary was at the end when president Obama was elected, the quote was, “can one man’s election change 500 years of black history?”. I can barely remember the day he was elected but i remember my parents being extremely happy. I felt that quote was important because was crying and cheering because we all thought that everyone would be treated equally no matter what, but that wasn’t completely true. Obama becoming president did make a big impact on the united states but there were still the people who believed that whites and blacks are not equal. I hope someday everyone is treated equally. Thanks for reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Lucinda Lynch

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