As a Black female science educator, the phrase “I am Black history” means that I am a living, breathing manifestation of my ancestors’ tears, pain, trials, tribulations, triumphs, victory and joy.
I am the continuation of Ella Baker’s reminder that, “We are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind.”
I am Fannie Lou Hamer’s declaration that, “It’s time for America to get right.”
I am Septima Poinsette Clark’s belief that education should teach us “to study rather than believe, to inquire rather than to affirm.”
I am Dorothy Height’s charge that, “We’ve got to work to save our children, and do it with full respect for the fact that if we do not, no one else is going to do it.”
I am Katherine Johnson’s confident humility in letting the world know that, “I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better.”
I am the embodiment of a people so beautifully and wonderfully made that they paved a way of life for me in a system that was meant for their demise.
I am Black history because Black history is me!
Mindy Chappell is a teacher at North-Grand High School.
