Black People: Have we forgotten our past?

Today is my chill/relaxing day. I usually sit around and don't do much on Saturdays. Well I was watching Oprah After the Show and she brought up a good point/question. There was a discussion about the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oprah was wondering how many people have actually went to visit this museum and if a lot of people have made the effort. She then went on to explain that they are building a African American History museum in Washington, D.C. She thought it was a good idea. She then stated something that got me to thinking. She said that her generation (our parents) have failed to pass the important information about our ancestor's history and what they went through. She claimed that a lot of people just don't talk about it and that's not a good thing for black people.

I took a moment to think about my ancestors. I realized that I really didn't know much about them. I have asked my mother about her family on numerous occassions. She told me about the stores of her traveling to Alabama and visiting them when she was a little girl. Besides that I don't remember her telling me much else about my ancestors. Granted she may not know, but why is it that black people won't talk about our history. I would like to know about my ancestors and what they went through. I know more than likely they were slaves, but I really don't know for sure. All I really know about my mother's family is that they were from Uniontown, Alabama. Almost the entire family migrated to Middletown, Ohio when my grandmother was a young girl. That's about all I know. As far as my father's family I haven't the slightest idea.

So now I am on a mission. I have one living grandparent left. My mother's mother is alive and I think I am going to take some time and ask her some stuff about my ancestors. I have never thought about doing this. I just wish my other grandparents were alive so I could ask them questions. I am going to ask some of my closet friends about their ancestors to see what all they know. Don't be surprised if I ask you. If you don't know much ask some of your older relatives. They could give you some major insight into your family background. Learn about your ancestors. It's important that we find out about their struggles. I am sure many are probably thinking that my ancestors were slaves and why do I want to hear about that. Well it's your history and it's what has shapped you into who you are.

I now am on a journey to find out about my ancestors. Hopefully many of you join this journey. I am America's Nightmare...