Private Story
LaGarrett King
Dr. LaGarrett King, 43, husband, father, Black history professor, Columbia, MO (originally from Baker, LA.) 1/18/22
One big mistake we have done in the U.S. about our history is that we believe in one national story. And that story represents national identity. Therefore, I ask: what does it mean to exclude Black people and other people of color and their voices from that identity?
History is not about patriotism, it is not about loving or hating a country; history is about attempting to figuring out humanity and within that exploration we will find good, bad, and indifferent humans to learn. We have to stop thinking about a history and move to histories. We have to stop thinking that there is one story. What is historically important to one group of people is not necessary historically important to the others who share these borders. And guess what, that is ok to showcase different histories. It is ok to admit that we have all different historical perspectives that may not match. That is ok. Our historical differences help us see our complete selves. We see our oppression, racism and all the isms that plague society, agency, various identities, joy, contention, and our future.
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