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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?

Kouta Kahn

Growing up, I knew about slavery from what I learned in school and from what I saw on TV and movies. Now, I wouldn’t call that “learning” anything. I must have been 18 when I read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. That opened my eyes to the diaspora.

Ever since, I searched for the truth about the origin of where I or we come from, how did we get here, and how and why we were subjugated to lower class status. I thank Dr. Gates and all those that came before for shedding light on the truth.

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