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But, NEVER forget or dismiss the past. Embrace it, learn from it and excel.

* I agree with you. The problem is that many times history or topics of history is presented in such a way as to attack one group of people, or make another group feel guilty,bitter,etc. I went to a Catholic school that never taught black history separately from American history. It was all included together. Personally, I have two of the most awesome parents that told me both their entire family histories. Both my parents came here with nothing, came from families with nothing, but made themselves into something.

I would NOT be who I am today if it weren't from my gramma's stories. Too many citizens in this countries have become complacent from not embracing the past. Too many fall victim to propaganda because of it.

*Good point. My mother and father had the most awesome stories to tell. I definately would not be the person I am today if my parents did not nuture my mind, my intellect. They raised me knowing culture and talking about HOME which for them were Trinidad and Sicily... and of course the value of an education.

And, btw, you mentioned underground railroads going to the North. I grew up by one of those tunnels. GREAT stories from exploring! But that too is another thread.

* Okay this may sound bad, but when I feel especially lazy or something at work, I try to put myself in my grandparents' shoes. My father's family had the typical early century immigrant horror stories. My grandmother on my mother's side chopped sugar cane and broke her back selling in the market. Stories like the underground railroad ought to inspire people, or stories of ex-slaves after the Civil War teaching themselves to read and write. A person should not have to be black to get inspired by these things as motivation could come from anywhere.

Longwinded post I apologize!

>>>The problem is that many times history or topics of history is presented in such a way as to attack one group of people, or make another group feel guilty,bitter,etc.

Propaganda thrives from this.

>>>I went to a Catholic school that never taught black history separately from American history.

I understand this. My kids go to a catholic school. I am unfortunately not talented enough to teach them at home. I DO supplement their learnings though. Catholic school is skewed. But you know what? Public school is worse.

>>>I have two of the most awesome parents that told me both their entire family histories. Both my parents came here with nothing, came from families with nothing, but made themselves into something.

This is what the long term natives of this country is missing. This is why they are complacent. This is what the propaganda exploits. Having relatives with history is VALUABLE!

>>>* Okay this may sound bad, but when I feel especially lazy or something at work, I try to put myself in my grandparents' shoes.

None of your post sounds bad at all! VERY relevant to the article. If it weren't for my family stories, I wouldn't be who I am either. You and I have something the other complacent citizens miss. This is the message that needs to be sent. Our stories would remove the current propaganda.

GREAT POST!

Bump!