In a world submerged with narratives often overshadowing the stories of resilience and courage, it’s time to shift the spotlight to little-known disrupters, historical information, artifacts, and narratives that have been lost, removed, neglected, or suppressed. Among historical and contemporary challenges to change the narrative of the Black experience in the United States of America, the emergence of oral histories and artifacts of the past fuels hope and reclamation of the Black community narrative to restore and repair Black history. Embracing the spirit of resistance against injustices, researchers use historical discoveries to educate society about diverse Black experiences through storytelling.
Unsung heroes have been removed from the tapestry of history that tells the story of the Black experience in the United States of America. The curriculum focuses on the enslaved experience in classrooms, but traditional education has overlooked the stories of resistance, endurance, innovation, and perseverance. The importance of reclaiming narratives, taking a deeper look into the stories of those who have stood up against adversity, and using archives to restore the history of the Black experience is invaluable. From forgotten historical figures to modern-day activists, this piece aims to share the significance of the diverse narratives that deserve recognition in our history classrooms. By restoring the Black community’s cultural experience, we honor their contributions and challenge existing narratives that may have marginalized their voices.
It is time to call for a collective effort to amplify these stories, urging media outlets, educators, and individuals to actively participate in transforming the narrative landscape. Restorative history is about healing through the discovery of truth and shining the light on oral histories connected to the experience of the Black community; underrepresented narratives are documented, communities are empowered, empathy and understanding can be fostered, and marginalized voices can be shared by unearthing the stories and artifacts of the past.
In addition to oral histories, artifacts serve as tangible representations of marginalized communities and their experiences. Artifacts can challenge stereotypes by offering a contrasting view to biased narratives, lending a more accurate depiction of cultural practices, achievements, and contributions to society. Finally, artifacts can be sources of empowerment and identity for the Black community because they serve as tangible expressions of heritage, allowing people to experience their roots. Cultural heritage preservation through artifacts links to the past and provides knowledge of traditions, languages, and customs.
Restorative history utilizes various tools and methods to record, preserve, and share historical narratives, focusing on healing, understanding, and inclusivity. These tools support documenting, preserving, and disseminating vital history, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of historical narratives. Digital storytelling tools, podcasting oral histories, digital archives, and interactive tools are just a few tools commonly used by researchers dedicated to restorative history.
Several organizations and initiatives focus on restorative history, working to document, preserve, and share narratives that may have been marginalized or underrepresented. Some organizations and projects that incorporate therapeutic history approaches include:
- The Civil Rights History Project:
A joint initiative by the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution, this project collects and preserves oral history interviews related to the civil rights movement in the United States. - National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC):
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, NMAAHC is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and showcasing the history and culture of African Americans. - The HistoryMakers:
The HistoryMakers is a digital archive that collects and preserves oral history interviews with African Americans who have contributed significantly in various fields. - The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI):
EJI works to confront and address issues of racial injustice, including historical injustices such as lynching, through advocacy, research, and documentation. - Slave Voyages:
The Slave Voyages project documents the history of the transatlantic slave trade, providing a database of information on slave ship voyages, including the experiences of African individuals.
These organizations play vital roles in using restorative history principles to ensure that the Black community’s narratives, experiences, and contributions are documented, preserved, and shared with the broader public. They contribute to a more complete and accurate understanding of Black history.
Bequita Pegram, Ph.D.
In conclusion, this piece aims to inspire readers to join the movement of restoring history that celebrates resilience, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the Black experience. Society can get involved in restoring history by contributing personal stories, supporting organizations dedicated to recovering history, advocating for inclusive education, and visiting museums and archives. These stories can significantly transform our history and influence our collective healing and movement toward a just and equitable future.
Reference:
Smith, J. (2021, June 15). Restorative History at the National Museum of American History. Smithsonian National Museum of American History. https://americanhistory.si.edu/about/centers/restorative-history
Dr. Bequita V. Pegram ’23 is a history lecturer in the Division of Social Sciences at Prairie View A&M University.