STANDING TALL

ON BROAD SHOULDERS

Submitted by Lucie Lewis, Co-facilitator Central Team

It is hard to remember that there was actually once a time when educating African-Americans was a crime. The severity of the offense was recorded in this 1740 legislation from South Carolina:

That all and every person and persons whatsoever, who shall hereafter teach, or cause any slave or slaves to be taught to write, or shall use or employ any slave as a scribe in any manner of writing whatsoever, hereafter taught to write; every such person or persons shall, for every offense, forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds current money.1

Despite this and numerous other impediments, African-Americans never stopped fighting to find a way to become educated and to search for a better life for themselves and their children:

Freedom meant education, … “If I nebber does do nothing more while I live,” proclaimed an ex-slave, “I shall give my children a chance to go to school, for I considers education next best thing to liberty.” Again and again, when asked what they most desired to improve themselves, blacks put education first.2

As you enter your classrooms during African-American History Month, it is appropriate to take the time to stop and consider those who came before. We often talk about how we should embrace our history and be proud, but it goes far beyond that. Today, we enjoy incredible opportunities and advantages because of the courage and persistence of the strong, dignified, purposeful and determined people, both known and unknown, on whose shoulders we stand. While we have the names of numerous historic figures whose outstanding efforts and accomplishments opened numerous doors; knowing that none of us stands alone, we know there were many more who stood beside and behind them to help them through their journey. In addition to these people, however, there were thousands more living ordinary lives while fighting extraordinary battles to whom we owe an immeasurable debt.

How do you repay that debt? In order to truly embrace our history, you must not only honor their memory but you must also imitate their intense desire to learn. There was a test in last month’s article to help you begin the New Year with the right attitude toward school. Did your answers show an attitude that honored your history? Does your attitude reflect the same readiness and eagerness to learn? Many have fought hard to make the privilege of being educated accessible to you. (Yes, education is a privilege, but that is another conversation.) Does the attitude you take to school each day respect that sacrifice? This month, let excellence be the currency of your repayment.

The mission of Step Up Springfield is to help you become the best you can be and to be ready for life. Remember, we can stand behind you but you must stand up for yourself first. For more information on learning to believe in yourself, contact Step Up Springfield at (413) 693-0228.

1 Racial Desegregation In Public Education In The U.S., Citing Mary Frances Berry and John W. Blassingame, Long Memory: The Black Experience in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 1982), 262. United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, p. 3 ¶3. Retrieved on January 6, 2008 from http://www.nps.gov/history/history/school.pdf

2 Racial Desegregation In Public Education In The U.S., Citing Henry Allen Bullock, A History of Negro Education in the South, 24-26. James M. McPherson, Ordeal by Fire: the Civil War and Reconstruction (New York: McGraw Hill, 1985), and, Eric Foner, Reconstruction: American’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877 (New York: Harper & Row, 1988)), 262. United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, p. 11 ¶1. Retrieved on January 6, 2008 from http://www.nps.gov/history/history/school.pdf