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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?

James Daniels

I am a 69 year old Black Man, whose first encounter with racism occurred when I was 3 or 4 years old. My parents (God Bless Them) took me to the Jacksonville, FL, zoo and tried to put me on the train that rode around the animal exhibits, they refused to let me ride and told by mother later I stated at the tender age of 3 or 4 that I didn’t want to ride on the damned thing anyway. We were also turned away at Marineland. It has been a lifelong battle and unfortunately it will not be won in my lifetime. My father was born in 1893, my mother in 1904, they were very proud people who were very brave and very forward thinking. I was taught to be subserviant to no man.

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