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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?

Nicole Avery

Dr. Gates,

Thank you for affording the world the comprehensive data supplied in The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. It has truly awakened my desire to research contributions made by self-described, and American deemed, African Americans. I spent my youth in a number of foster homes/facilities, but there was one particular home in which my foster mother who was originally from Georgia demanded that I and my two siblings intake as much black history stories/tidbits as possible. I remember my foster mother purchasing black history comic books (I was a comic book feign) to make reading the information more enjoyable. I also credit my elementary/jr. high school teachers for instilling black pride and providing historical references in their classes. Because of experiences shared at these levels, I have become a college professor, vowing to commit to the same level of excellence which undergirded my way of learning.

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