TED Talks Daily The mission to safeguard Black history in the US | Julieanna L. Richardson
Jun 19, 2022
Julieanna L. Richardson, founder of The HistoryMakers, discusses the urgent need to safeguard Black history in America. She shares her personal journey of discovering her own Black identity, revealing how overlooked figures and events shape current societal understanding. Richardson emphasizes the importance of documenting Black narratives, drawing from powerful interviews in her archive. With a push for greater cultural recognition, she urges future generations to celebrate and appreciate the rich legacy of the Black community.
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Early Education Void
- Julieanna Richardson's early education lacked Black historical figures, leaving her feeling disconnected.
- She lied about her heritage, wanting a history she could identify with.
Discovering Black History
- At Brandeis University, Richardson discovered a Black music collection featuring a song she'd associated with President Truman.
- This discovery sparked her passion for Black history and led her to interview prominent Black figures.
Documentation and Value
- Documenting history validates a community's importance.
- Black history's under-documentation has impacted its perceived value.