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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?

Bernadette Teague

I live in Jacksonville, FL, where we have a high school named after N.B.Forrest. When I realized the history of this man and that the school board was trying to decide for a name change I had to speak up at the next town hall meeting. My father was born in 1908 which meant my grand and great-grand parents were in the mist of all the torture that slavery held. I expressed the need to see the humanity in it all for my family and others. To remind them that there were no good slave owners as one man suggested. Forrest was a trader of slaves and we as a city should not honor anyone who fought for this way of life. Your series as well as movies like 12 Years a Slave are real eye openers for us all to realize how close these horrors are and remember our part to pass on this valuable info…Thank you Mr. Gates.

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