Return to main page
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?

Denise Dew – Bennett

Growing up, I learned very little about accomplishments in the Black community. What I saw was a mixed bag of entertainers on screen and television. Some positive others demeaning and portrayed as humor.
In school the books that were written only gave a very few of Black historians (Eli Whitney & George Washington Carver come to mind).
What changed, as far as my learning more about my race, was the movements of the late 60’s & early 70’s. The age of enlightenment for me. It was a very uplifting time to be alive!
For me, what it takes to keep our history alive, it’s family and passing on those stories. Adding them to the untold number of others that have history of their ancestors. We are related to someone who was someone famous or not but groundbreaking and went beyond their time to allow us to be here today.

Return to main page