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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?

Omar Phillip

Letter To Henry Louis Gates

Dear Henry Louis Gates,
Thank you for making that documentary. I liked it because you put a lot of work into it. I know you put a lot of work into it because you traveled all over the country to gain information for your documentary. My Favorite part was the time after the Civil War when everyone (all the slaves) got free and ran away.

I also like the food part where that guy was telling you how the slaves made food using a little bit of the food they picked.

The most depressing part was the march with all the tear gas. I liked the end of each episode because it always ended with one final quote and never disappointed me. Most of the stuff didn’t sound like it actually happened; a guy got deported for talking about his beliefs! I didn’t like the part when the woman killed her kids so they wouldn’t be a slave, because there were so many ways that could have been avoided. One way killing her children could have been avoided was the Mom could have been a distraction so the kids could climb out the back window.There was a slim chance that that would have worked but she still could’ve tried.

I thought that Jim Crow was a person until you said he wasn’t.I thought that he was a person because you were personificating him saying like Jim Crow hated african americans.

I liked the part when the whole world was celebrating because Obama became president. I liked that because it showed him rising up from doubt and into respect. All the african american heroes are symbols of great qualities. Rosa Parks is bravery and diligence,Martin Luther king is kindness and leadership and Nelson Mandela is wisdom and mastery.

How I felt
I felt many different ways throughout the movie.In the sad parts I felt angry because african americans shouldnt have to struggle to get money and food and other basic needs. I feel like this somehow ties in with the african movie we watched called The Good Lie when everyone was struggling for food and water.

Thank you for making your documentary.-Omar Philip

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