Black History Month Annoyance

[@UnicornsPoopRainbows]

I don't agree with how she was characterizing Sunn or the hateful things she said about him at all. That is just inexcusable. However, this video doesn't really show that either. From the little we saw, it seems less like ignoring the Black History Month Staples but branching out and introducing other notable black people. There are A LOT, you could literally introduce a new person every day, which is something I would absolutely do as an educator in America. And thinking about it, I'll definitely do with my kids once they become elementary school aged, revisiting them and revealing more historical context as they mature. Plus, it looked like she was in an elementary school too so everyone's history gets a bit sanitized when taught.

[@sunnmcheaux]

So, you'll totally ignore the fact that she's a proven hateful racist who tried pitting two well-known Black men against one another, but trust HER intentions when I show a clip of a longer video of hers that I said was problematic?? This is precisely the type of mealy-mouthed "support" I can do without. Your entire diatribe makes no sense, considering I never argued against expanding BHM subjects. I literally SAID the fact that these "staples" have been whitewashed and misrepresented is actually the reason WHY we shouldn't "move away" from them, but you're tripping over yourself to ignore that point to instead agree with the inexcusable, hateful racist. Yeah, thanks.

[@UnicornsPoopRainbows]

​@@sunnmcheauxI've just seen your short on her and this. I don't follow her or even know who she is, I'm going entirely based off of what you've presented in your videos. I may have missed a video, and if I have, please point me in that direction. I can disagree with how someone acts but that behavior isn't really shown in this clip. I would expect to see the bad behavior on display in a clap back video. Instead, it looks a bit like you are punching down on her (Harvard prof vs elementary librarian). I'm not saying you are or that she is not a terrible person, but it just didn't come across with the context provided in the video 🤷‍♀️

[@sunnmcheaux]

Punching down? The fact that you saw Harvard vs elementary school librarian and not a Black man vs. a privileged white woman speaks volumes, and you should be embarrassed.

[@sunnmcheaux]

In fact, thanks for this comment. It will make good teachable moment content for others who aren't delusional about actual power disparity in a white power structure.

[@sunnmcheaux]

I question how familiar you could possibly be with me or my videos if you don't know better than to inject yourself into an exchange to tone police be with the angry Black man trope. You're quite literally doing the very same thing that they are getting checked for, providing cover for someone else who's being held to account for something problematic that they have done. I highly suggest you take a step back and reflect instead of being next in line. It's not too late for you to delete your comment, too.

[@bethourekt6361]

There's also a strong effort to erase MLK's honest assessment of capitalism. We all deserve to be free!

[@msteach3082]

Yes, yes, yes!!!

[@marcilynn2943]

They didn’t murder him until he was doing the Poor People’s Campaign and trying to unite against capitalism.

[@Nerobyrne]

I always thought he was "removed" because of that, not the activism for black rights

[@sonja4164]

Absolutely!

[@shorty63136]

@@NerobyrneYou’re absolutely right. He’d started to focus on capitalism, strengthening the power of poor & working-class people & aligned more with Malcolm. The federal government was found liable for his death in a 1995 civil case.

[@starmantheta2028]

I'm black, and recently it feels like every day I learn something about black history that I was never taught in school or the media. It's eerily astounding how effective white-washing and sanitizing black history is to black students. Thank you for getting me to really dig into our history and I hope it has inspired others to do the same.

[@fivefortyeye540i]

Amen

[@msteach3082]

You are absolutely correct. For example, just yesterday I learned about a black couturier, Anne Lowe, who designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress. I had never once heard of her. To be fair, I don’t know if she was involved in activism of any kind, because it was a short snippet, but this is the kind of thing that further proves your point.

[@journeysalkebulan]

I would be happy for the day that black Americans stop being shocked that so much black history was not taught in the school system in Amerikkka! Why would you think a racist country would teach you anything except a small amount of black history if even that? Your parents and/or caregivers should have taught you about black history! The oppressors that teach and the oppressors that make the law, ruled, curriculum of the schools in Amerikkka surely aren't going to teach you or any other children about black history!

[@boredandonline]

How do all these great black facts lay so dormant only to surface for a brief moment to counter some white person and then back to sleep... LOL hilarious.

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

@@msteach3082 Thank you for sharing this. I spent the past few minutes on Google Images. Her designs are so exquisite! She should be known around the world.

[@lyn1.6]

Some people love to quote part of Dr. king's "I have A Dream" speech and make it seem like it's the last speech that he gave, but it's not. That speech was years before he was taken. He also said “I’ve come upon something that disturbs me deeply.” “We have fought hard and long for integration, as I believe we should have, and I know that we will win. But I’ve come to believe we’re integrating into a burning house.” In another speech, he talked about the Homestead Act that gave millions of acres of land to 🖐🏻 people and European immigrants, while excluding 🖐🏾 people. He further explained that the Act also gave lessons on how to farm and gave low interest loans to buy farm equipment and. Also, many farmers also received millions of dollars in subsidies not to farm. He said that the same people who received all of that are the same ones telling 🖐🏾 people to lift themselves up by their bootstraps. He finished by saying that when they go to Washington, they're going to collect their checks.

[@marcilynn2943]

Yes! Thank you for educating us! Most people don’t know he was working on the Poor People’s Campaign when they murdered him. The homestead act wasn’t all farmland. My family received 880 acres of prime Douglas fir in the Cascade Mountains. The entire program was unfair at the very foundation. That’s yet another reason why Reparations are only just. 🤷‍♀️

[@Uffda.]

@@marcilynn2943 and similarly, Fred Hampton was killed not long after starting the Rainbow Coalition. Class solidarity is apparently where the feds draw the line

[@lisagulick4144]

One of the books I read about Sojourner Truth says she tried to get homestead lands for former slaves. She found a sympathetic congressman, but he wanted her to show proof of support, so she went out and collected a bunch of signatures. When she brought back the signatures, she found that the congressman she had met had died, and no other member would support her proposal. That would truly have been a good start toward "40 acres and two mules." Had he not been killed, Dr. King would have fought to the death for economic equality and reparations for all slave descendants.

[@imageword5576]

yeah those rich farmers out there, i'm so jealous of their indebted servitude to Monsanto, I mean Bayer.

[@johnindigo5477]

My favorite is other america

[@NicoleB-ev9vc]

Easy solution that would give them plenty of time...they can incorporate the history of black leaders and innovators into their curriculum and teach it ALL. YEAR. LONG.

[@NiKiMa023]

What what whaaaaa!? Madness you say! The Black history is only regulated to February! Next thing you’ll say something crazy like “Black history is American history”

[@priskruger314]

❤

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

They barely have enough time to teach wide sweeping events across 2000 or so years it’s a bit tricky to teach about black leaders and industry leaders when you are discussing the fall and split of the Roman empire.

[@Volundur9567]

​@@Mostlyharmless1985What's more relevant to American history? The struggles of Black people or the freaking Roman Empire? Roman history is taught in many universities.

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

@@Volundur9567Seeing as how our entire form of government is based off the fusion of Roman government, Greek democracy, and Locke; Roman Empire, specifically the lessons you can learn from it's decline due to oligarchy and religious extremism. Can't see where you are going if you can't see where you've been. You can make the same argument that the struggles of Black people is taught in many universities as well. Who are you to decide what is important and what isn't? Why do you deem Black History important? I'm not being flippant here, regardless of where you think eyes should be pointed, the time to teach them is limited, how much time do you want in a child's school year to be devoted to "The Struggles of Black people?" One semester? Two? A quarter period? 9 weeks? An entire elective? What would you like to sacrifice to do so? Math? Science? English Lit? Elective Language? We've already gotten rid of most practical trade skills from high school. Would you like to remove the French Revolution, which includes the Haiti Rebellion? Or perhaps we should cut down on the Civil War, which is already woefully Lost Caus'd that freaking God's and Generals was played in my history class and I had to write papers on it. It's not as simple as "Teach more black history."

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

Black history is American history - this joint was built on our real blood, sweat and tears. But the colonizers would have you believe otherwise.

[@SystemParanoia]

Black history is NOT American history. You don't have exclusivity over anything. My Black history is just as important and relevant as yours. Do a better job at choosing your words ✌🏿

[@Helen4Q]

Lord have mercy. 😢 in the united states of America. It is . Theres no America or any other history without BLACK History. ​@SystemParanoia

[@SystemParanoia]

@@Helen4Q you didn't read what I said. America is not the centre of the Black Universe 🙄 My Blackness and ancestry is not in any way connected to America or Americans. But from what you are saying, unless I view my Black history through a horrific American lens.. then I'm somehow not worthy? Get a grip. 🙄

[@wednesdayschildfullofwoe]

​@@SystemParanoia"My Blackness and ancestry are not in any way connected to America or Americans"....Well Idk about my "Blackness"🤭 but according to my personal research, my ancestry is definitely connected to America...I am American! That's true for the majority of Black Americans. If you don't believe it's true for you...cool not everything has to be about or for you!! Bye👋

[@SystemParanoia]

@@wednesdayschildfullofwoe another that isn't reading my response properly 🙄🙄 I am refuting the claim that "Black History" is "American History". "Black American history" is "American History". The American diaspora do not get to claim "Black History" as solely their own to the exclusion of every other global Black community.

[@Anddroiden]

I think this calls for a story i heard from my dad, a teacher. One day he was sitting in the teachers lounge as a math teacher comes into the lounge and exclaims "i have been teaching for 25 years and they still don't understand maths". I think the woman is sort of expressing the same idea, but badly. Some teachers sometimes forget that while they are teaching the same material every year, the students are new every year. The new students haven't learned about MLK and Rosa Parks. Just because the teacher is exhausted with a topic and has covered it every year, doesn't mean the new students have.

[@krh6239]

Yeah. I get where the lady was coming from. Black History Month feels like the same old song and dance every year. And I do support them talking about other aspects of black history. But the history of even the most prevalent figures is being eroded away. Have you seen what they are doing in places like Florida? They are making Rosa Parks into a lady who didn't want to stand up on the bus. They are turning a prominent historical freedom fighter into a Karen. Until schools can tell the whole aspect of these people and their lives, they can't say they've taught their students black history.

[@MishasMama]

​​@@kylezoshe is no hero...that's the lady from the previous video ("Millie"). And her language "trotting out" is questionable

[@greenspitfire17]

@@MishasMamaglad I wasn't the only one hearing trotting out & 👀

[@l.e.phillips]

Yeah, agreed. I’m sure she means well, but hopefully she sees this video and takes an honest step back to reflect. There’s definitely a time not very long ago I would have said the same thing as her. But damn, the more I hear about people like MLK and the Black Panthers over the past few years from people like Sunn and other fantastic people online, the more you realize how completely white washed and watered down our US education is and that there is SO much more to these people’s stories. It suggests that she never dug deeper and just went through the motions. Educator fail.

[@tondriasanders6306]

I can see what you’re saying. It makes sense that a teacher, especially one as old and negative as her, could be bored teaching the same thing year in and year out? But like Sunn pointed out, why not find ways to expand within the curriculum. We don’t learn about Rosa, MLK, Carver and Tubman every year, we learn about them in different years and other figures in later years. So why not find new things to teach about these people and their causes? Rosa did all kinds of stuff that wasn’t in the books because she lived for years after the history books were written. They all interacted with other black political figures and leaders. They did so much more than the children’s books tell the kids and the history books say. So let’s stop whitewashing and teach our kids truth

[@denyshadials5702]

Beautifully said. I’m always annoyed at the redundant teachings and hallway decor in February. If you’re not learning new things alongside your students, you’ve already missed your opportunity as an educator. I’m also annoyed at the constant gap between MLK’s generation of influential activists and Obama’s. Like we just took a back seat to tearing down racism or breaking barriers 🤔 just more ‘boxes’ I guess…

[@kentmorton2872]

I think that we allowed ourselves to become complacent. We were duped into believing that those days were over. But thanks to certain politicians. We were shown the truth. The truth is that racism is alive and well in America.

[@tondriasanders6306]

Yes! There were still a lot of people doing a lot of good work between the civil rights movement and the early 21st century. Things may not have been as loud but that doesn’t mean there was nothing happening. Just because they weren’t freedom riders, protesters getting blasted with firehoses or people making the news every night doesn’t mean that there was only O.J. and Rodney King between MLK, Obama, George Floyd. I’ve been here for half a century and I don’t know enough. That is sad. We can do so much better for our children.

[@denyshadials5702]

@@kentmorton2872 I think you misunderstood me. I wasn’t speaking to complacency in that timeline gap. I speaking to being overlooked/downplayed in the gap. There was still a LOT going on during that time..but it’s hardly ever spoken about.

[@denyshadials5702]

@@tondriasanders6306 I agree completely. Even diving deep into actual African history (and yes I am referring to all the countries). It makes no sense to go into the depth we do for European countries when everyone is fervently pushing that all Americans ‘assimilate into American culture’-that’s not European…so why look so deep into Europe’s history?..and no one else’s?…

[@kentmorton2872]

@@denyshadials5702 I agree with you about this. But we saw progress and I believe that we became complacent. As in allowing our elected officials to gaslight and take our vote for granted. Pressure is applied from the outside. Those marches and sit in protest and mass voting registration had an impact. But I was in agreement with you on your point. I just added why I thought that things seemed to egress.

[@chellann]

I definitely learned some things from this video, and realized that most of what I had read or heard before was not in any history class in school. As a white person I am ashamed if how much of the history our children will learn in school is extremely biased. If you have children or grandchildren please take the time to make sure that the classroom is not the only place they hear the stories of our country's history the good, the bad, and most importantly the reprehensible.

[@ppinkston1697]

Amen

[@beckiejani7782]

Yes! My teachers were my parents. Then I taught my kids, and now they're teaching me.

[@johnindigo5477]

I only know most of this because I preferred to read on my own as a kid.

[@djoy4ly317]

A disservice is done to both white and black people when Lies are told. ​Learn more about the contributions of Black people on the WITHOUT HISTORY KZbin channel. SYSTEMATIC ERASURE OF BLACK EXCELLENCE AND PRESENCE throughout European history that continues today. Watch the video: ELIZABETH SUPPRESSED, Primary accounts of Black Nobility in Europe...

[@ememmichaeludo2044]

I am Nigerian but I study Black History with special reference to African American History and the more I study the latter the more I learn every day the struggles and strength of these great people. People just don't give African Americans the credit they deserve. This is your best post so far sir. God bless you for this post I learnt new things today 🖤🖤🖤✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@user-qm2li8zx2d]

I'd like to know more history of Nigeria told by Nigerians not colonizers.

[@djoy4ly317]

​@@user-qm2li8zx2d Learn more about the contributions of Black people on the WITHOUT HISTORY KZbin channel. SYSTEMATIC ERASURE OF BLACK EXCELLENCE AND PRESENCE throughout European history that continues today. Watch the video: ELIZABETH SUPPRESSED, Primary accounts of Black Nobility in Europe...

[@laurelgardner]

Knowing more about George Washington Carver would also be a good introduction to learning about soil health, which needs more attention.

[@rahbeeuh]

Idk that Harriet Tubman was the OG Harriet the Spy 😮

[@msteach3082]

I 100% appreciate this commentary, and as a black educator of 5th grade students, I’ve been guilty of pushing back on having my students research these particular icons as well. My reason is simply because I try to expose my students to as many black historical figures as possible, and I know they’ve heard of the afformentioned. Also, having to adhere to a restrictive curriculum, (and a poor one in my estimation) sharing short February with President’s Day, Valentines Day and Dental Health Month, I’m on a time crunch. This year I don’t even have time for the research, so I’m going to embed the BHM icons into daily nonfiction reading. I don’t have the freedom to do the deep dives I was able to do in the past.

[@glittergirljmm]

Thank you for your heartfelt efforts to engage in the true spirit of black history education.

[@AutisticAthena]

I had an amazing teacher in my first ninth grade year who did actually teach most of those things as a matter of course in his social studies class... I honestly can't remember his name, because we just called him Doc. Round face and a gray beard, big twinkly eyes behind these ridiculous Spike Lee coke bottle glasses. Held his Doctorate in African studies, and he was an absolute CHARACTER. It was a toss up on whether he'd put on a movie he did NOT ask our parents if he could show (we got to watch the Scarlet Letter and Amistad without a permission slip, shhh 🤫) or if he'd go on long meandering lectures about Black history and his trips to Africa. He managed to ACTUALLY teach a classful of 35+ inner city students and get most of them to pay attention the majority of the time. He taught at Walter French Academy from... 1999-2004/5ish. Hope he's doing well. Thank you for reminding me of him.

[@queenbee4350]

To be fair to her, I think what she was trying to say is that when it comes to Black History, schools tend to talk about the same people over and over again. I think she was trying to say that there's more to Black History than Harriet, Rosa and Martin. In addition to them, let's talk about Malcolm X, Claudette Colvin, Bayard Rustin, Marcus Garvey, Halle Selassie, Mary Secole.

[@queenbee4350]

How many schools are teaching kids about Denmark Vessey and Nat Turner

[@beth3535]

Finding fault and dismissing a genuine effort is twisting what was conveyed and intended. It’s downright petty and small. Thanks a bunch. I learned a lot.

[@laurelgardner]

Nobody's "twisting" anything. Sunn just said he didn't like it and then said why.

[@armeengreen1176]

Y'all go read the pinned post and thank me later😂

[@boredandonline]

@@queenbee4350 None.

[@MzDanielleJoy]

I like this video. I have said many times including this year that schools only talk about certain people and only tell part of the story. I have said, there are more of us than Martin, Malcom, and Rosa. My perspective has always been "We've been dope and there's more than a handful of dope black people" so I add the Katherine Johnson, Hazel Scott, Marsha P. Norman, Garrett A. Morgan, Phyllis Wheatley, Hattie Mae Daniels, Barbara Jordan, etc. stories as well. I love how you added more than the white washed misconceptions that we learned about our heroes especially Rosa Parks

[@iriswilson7387]

Exactly, EVERY DAY is BLACK HISTORY MONTH✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽🖤🤎💛💚

[@beardoodle9835]

Black history is American history. Period. 💜💜

[@aazhie]

I have heard folks say the same of Madame CJ Walker. But I still bought a book written about her by her family at a black owned bookstore because I wanted to support the store. I definitely have been learning much more than a basic perusal of Wikipedia would give me! I did not know Harriet Tubman was in the military! I imagine she knew a whole lot that the other officers had no knowledge about and was a brilliant asset. It's an utter shame that the content of this video isn't common knowledge in the USA!!

[@ak5659]

Madame CJ Walker was the first self made black lady millionaire, IIRC. I believe she lived on Striver's Row and possibly The Triple Nickel.

[@rgrrbuchanan]

Yes! Every month is Black History Month - every day in fact as we strive to be worthy of those whose shoulders we stand on!

[@segara04]

Thank you for pointing out the info on Rosa Parks. I have to point out that she had been an activist and about that life for a good decade before that one event.👍🏿👍🏿

[@phastinemoon]

This was all SUPER COOL - I did previously know about MLK Jr graduating and entering college at a young age (in no small part because as a kid, it felt like reading about a real-life super-genius) but Harriet Tubman as a MILITARY LEADER is metal AF! (Though I also support educators expanding beyond the four most well-recognized names - especially in an effort to teach small children that, y’know, there have been more than just four meaningful people of color in history. Both things are important)

[@joelhaggis5054]

The greatest mistake is to think you have nothing left to learn.

[@ade3050]

This information about these 2 iconic people gives me the goosebumps. They were truly the SUPERHEROS!!! These facts cannot be denied*.*

[@coopy00]

You teach me something every day. Thank you.

[@sunnmcheaux]

I'm grateful that you're here everyday. You're abundantly welcome.

[@sjacks3281]

the sad thing is that people love to quote one particular part of the "I have a dream" speech I'm 100% sure that most people haven't heard/read the entire speech. If so, they wouldn't use that one part the way they do.

[@LilliLamour]

Come on Sunn. TEACH!!!!! You're a gift to us all. Thank you😊

[@tarajoyce3598]

Sunn making lesson planning easy for Black History. A champion against ignorance. ❤

[@grand2rismo]

She is right and so are you. God to know about lesser known facts about MLK but what about other leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs? So many more events and people need to be moved to the front. Let's learn more than just the big 3, Harriet, Rosa, and Martin. It's the reason why we keep thinking, Caver invented peanuts or peanut butter.

[@sunnmcheaux]

No, she's literally NOT right. She didn't simply present other Black folks. She literally negated the need for Rosa and MLK Jr to be accurately and adequately presented. Which they have not. We are not both right because the crux of my point and hers is diametrically opposed.

[@grand2rismo]

@@sunnmcheaux Well, I didn't see it from that position. Honestly, I was taught in a black school in baltimore,with black teachers, who taught black history all year. So I may have difficulty relating to this. My wife went to an all white school and I always have to tell her, her history. (she is black) but I guess her teachers would have censored her education. Now from that prospective, I can understand how this could be a problem.

[@sunnmcheaux]

​@grand2rismo Oh, you're most definitely getting more top-tier BHM content in Bmore than most places like where this librarian teaches. One of her suggestions over MLK Jr and Rosa was Kaepernick. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ak5659]

Her hee, I was so bad with my AS students. The school mandated essays but I told me class they needed to pick AA's famous for their brains. I told them to look up traffic lights, blood types, television, air conditioning, opera, fencing, and a few other things I've forgotten. They always groaned at the work but were happy that the work wasn't boring......

[@ihavesnacks4186]

Okay, Harriet Tubman just became a LOT more badass, and I was thinking she was already at peak!

[@davorianware1382]

A lot of the stuff that people don't know about the basic black historical figures they don't want to teach.

[@sunnmcheaux]

🎯💯

[@Singirl22]

I cannot even express how brilliant this is. Thank you. 🙏🏾✨

[@tondriasanders6306]

I don’t know the woman, and it feels like she’s tryin, but there’s something about her tone that feels off. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Dismissive? Bossy? Know it all?

[@sunnmcheaux]

She is the Karen whom I've been exposing as an obsessed racist in my past two posts. The people in here defending her were just laughing at her for days. Now the joke is on them.

[@armeengreen1176]

​@@sunnmcheauxoh wow she's a teacher?! 😮 😢

[@sunnmcheaux]

She's a librarian.

[@angrycannibal6625]

Privilege?

[@getchristielove]

She's typical. That's what she is.

[@bd10232003]

Omg I love this! I hate that black history month is so sanitized and our heroes simplified. Rosa was just tired, MLK only had a dream…. Yawn…. Just like us, these people were complex human beings that cannot be defined by one simple cause. They were ordinary people who rose to the occasion to deal with extraordinarily bad circumstances. Makes me think that we could actually do the same now…

[@IndomitableAde]

We can.

[@deborahmckenzie2619]

I would love to attend one of your lectures, you are absolutely amazing!! Keep on reaching and teaching those of us who love be schooled by someone of your caliber!!! Peace and much respect.

[@cremebrulee4759]

Thank you for all of these important facts that I did not know. I am white and know too little about history in general, much less black history. As far as I know, Rosa Parks is not identified as an activist, and that fact really puts her in a different light. She wasn't just some quiet little black woman who decided one take to take a stand. Harriet Tubmsn was also so much more than she was portrayed to be. The same goes for George Washington Carver. I think this happens to most historical figures. A few, often minor, facts are taught. My dental hygienist said that, instead of giving children the day off on MLK, Jr., Day, keep them in school and spend the day teaching about him. That would be a better way to honor him and his work.

[@marethahoneyb1541]

It does not happen to most historical figures it’s strategically done to our iconic figures n that dental hygienist is wrong

[@wastedinspiration]

​@@marethahoneyb1541it's sadly done to most historical figures who pose a threat to the status quo. There's a term for this sort of appropriation, but I can't remember what it was. Martin Luther King Jr. Is doubly dangerous to them because not only was he black, but he had strong socialist leanings. They can't make him a villain (though they would if they could) so they defang him instead.

[@cherryorchard5600]

It is most definitely not done to most historical figures pretty much just the black ones and other minorities. So in that case the kids should go to school on Presidents’ Day and learn about the Presidents, right? Oh that’s right they’re white. Never mind.

[@marcilynn2943]

@@wastedinspirationExactly. They always pretend that no famous, important people, like MLK, jr, Albert Einstein and Helen Keller were socialists. I’ve had people become unhinged and call me a liar when I told them Einstein was a socialist, when he actually wrote ‘Why Socialism?’.

[@jojoone1099]

​@@wastedinspiration If you remember the term, please type it in.

[@D.I.V.A.Journey3758]

As always, THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful mind with us!!! I truly appreciate you and the work you do! Ase'!!❤️🙌🏾👑🫶🏾

[@corvopro]

I respect & appreciate you as an Educator as well as your content. W/ that being said I am a BLACK woman who is (48) years old. At (10-11) years old (1986 or 1987) I posed this question to my 6th grade teacher, a Latina/Hispanic woman (Favorite teacher Mrs. Mintz by the way) in front of the whole class: "Why do we only hear about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver & Marion Anderson like they're the only people who did something for BLACK people? Why don't you teach us about other BLACK people?" Needless to say, I never got a response. She just looked at me shocked & went on to teach us about the same people. I can still see her face & non-response. I still pose this question today! I had the presence of mind to understand at that age that there are numerous BLACK people I was not being told about. To me it's YT people who decided to tell us about specific people.

[@carbon6669]

Black people, pick up a book! I get tired of hearing 40 and 50 yr Olds say "they didn't teach me that in school, like they would. They lost me at 9yrs old (I tuned out) with their bogus his story. "Only a fool would let the enemy teach their children". Malcolm X. My hero!

[@BetterMe981]

1000%

[@JazzyFizzleDrummers]

Anybody else wince when she said "trotting out?"

[@BetterMe981]

Yup 😖

[@maleturtle4040]

I’m glad you dont stop being a professor. I had to check my ego at the door there and Im glad you explained those parts of history I assumed Id already know. But honestly so much more of this subject is blank to me and my memory than I initially realized. Thank you for taking time to educate people. People have shown you their ass and you have shown nothing but poise in response. You’re cool as hell!!! Love from NC!

[@asgoodasthe1sttime]

Your words, fill me up! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾🇬🇼

[@stevemurray6543]

I am white, I like learning, thank you for teaching. I have come such a short way and have so much further to go, all help is appreciated. Stay well and remain positive.

[@jboepro1]

That look like that lady that DMed Keith Lee about you 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 omG is it??🫣 that’s gotta be her😂😂😂

[@MishasMama]

It is

[@jboepro1]

@@MishasMama drew carey

[@MishasMama]

@@jboepro1 ???

[@MishasMama]

@@jboepro1 nevermind, I just got it, lol. I see it

[@jashunmcgee7652]

What about Ida B Wells tho??? Nobody never talks about her life accomplishments!!!

[@sunnmcheaux]

I'm responding to what she said about Rosa. She didn't mention Ida.

[@Lyricalcandy1982]

Yasssss!!!! While I see the value in expanding our horizons beyond "the same people" there's definitely more to learn about everyone !!

[@cheshiredj]

Absolutely loved this - from the point to the facts!

[@Smooshes786]

I was taught about Rosa being an activist. My Mum always taught me about strong women. Glad for that. Dr. Lewis Milburn (Tuskegee), is an interesting person to look into as well. Canadian and American experiences. Harriette Tubman was taught extensively where we grew up. I type all of this because if my white behind was taught as people went through things, we certainly should include them in our knowledge base about our country!

[@kimdodd6677]

More more more thank you that's because we are only told so much 🌹

[@rainbeauxunicorn5237]

I had to go back and listen to her clip a few times. I don’t think she was saying that we know all there is to know about those notable figures, but rather she was hoping that other Black figures rarely talked about would also be presented and discussed. So while I do agree that we can’t talk about our greats enough, I also agree that our other black figures need to be highlighted and discussed as well. Too many wht folks think that black ppl rarely contribute to American society and talking about the same black figures over and over again can give that impression. But it shouldnt take an event like the Alabama brawl for us to learn that the folding chair was invented by a black man. So it won’t hurt to learn about at least one new historical black figure along with the popular ones.

[@sunnmcheaux]

She quite literally SAID she wants us to MOVE AWAY from talking about them. You're doing mental gymnastics to put words in her mouth, despite the actual words that came out of her mouth. Your entire diatribe is part of the problem.

[@rainbeauxunicorn5237]

@@sunnmcheaux… she said move away from trotting out the same black figures. I took that to mean let’s incorporate new figures into the mix, not move away from them all together. But that was just my interpretation. No gymnastics involved.

[@sunnmcheaux]

@rainbeauxunicorn5237 So, you can't comprehend how it's 100% *unnecessary* to mention moving away from anyone in order to add anyone else? You're telling me absolutely nothing about the fact that subtraction is not necessary to add rings a bell for you to comprehend my point. 😐

[@rainbeauxunicorn5237]

@@sunnmcheaux… of course I know it’s unnecessary. That’s what my whole comment was about. But you keep referring to her “move away” statement as her talking about removing ppl when I interpreted that same statement as her talking about changing the ROUTINE of talking about the same ppl. My interpretation doesn’t call for a subtraction but an incorporation. Now I don’t wanna keep talking about this lady because I don’t like how she moves. So if you reply, I’ll take it as your final word and you have a blessed evening.

[@sunnmcheaux]

@rainbeauxunicorn5237 You keep choosing to 'interpret' her words as something other than what she literally said, and somehow the fact that it was totally unnecessary to say at all isn't a clue to you that she might not deserve the benefit of the doubt that you're granting her. Well, this lady is an exposed bigot with a white savior complex, whose gone out of her way to undermine Black folk in this same backhanded way. You shouldn't need to know that to not dismiss a critique of what she actually said based on your 'interpretation' of what she didn't say. This exchange is a prime example of how these exact same types of toxic white interlopers keep getting away with playing in our face while the bar is set much higher for the Black folk who call them out. She said what she said, and so did I.

[@avataryellow]

As a white educator teaching (primarily) black students, I ask my students who they want us to learn about. It's not about me teaching them, it's about us learning together. I'm not about to stand up in front of these kids and tell them who is important to THEIR history. Being a teacher is about more than standing up and pontificating, it's about inspiring and encouraging the students to take charge in their lives. The lesson I really try to teach my students each Feb is to not let some white guy (not even me!) stand up and tell them who they are.

[@cherryorchard5600]

You’re the teacher those kids don’t know what they don’t know. Why are you making it their obligation to do your job. Get to learning yourself. The incredible underlying conscious or unconscious bias among white educators toward students of color is amazing. Would you do the same to majority white students about white American history?

[@Happytravellerkimmy]

Thanks for this!❤

[@Bubblies005]

If you think you know everything about any person, place, thing, or situation; chances are you are the one that needs the most education. Happy Black History Month! ❤

[@kate_6436]

We talk about them a lot cause they’re some of the most important black figures in American history

[@princessmyhand]

It’s funny, I just told my husband about Martin Luther King Jr’s name originally being Michael just the other day. And how it was changed when he was a little boy. I remember being taught this in school. And I also knew who he was named after as I was also raised Lutheran as a child. I did not know the other information about the other historical figures you mentioned. Thanks once again Sunn for sharing and educating. ❤

[@kaybee5162]

I’m black and I actually agree with this woman. Every year when everyone else is doing projects on mlk and rosa parks, my daughter will do her project on another black person that contributed an invention or fought for us. It just seems like mlk and rosa parks are the go to people for black history. Not discounting them in any way but there are so many more greats to be taught about.

[@lindageorge7399]

❤❤❤ YES, Yes every Day is our Day

[@catmama65]

Thank you for your amazing & always brilliant content!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sheiswhitney]

I thought that face looked familiar from the Keith Lee video. The racist librarian teaching "African-American" history. Man the jokes write themselves 😂.

[@mswetra2610]

"Who taught you what you think you know?" ❤

[@KAM-rl6tz]

I am a Black American. I actually agree with that White Educator. We don’t know everything about Dr. King, Rosa Parks and others. Yet, we know about them. However, there are some Black heroes whose names are NEVER mentioned or not mentioned nearly enough. They deserve recognition as well. I honestly think that’s what she was attempting to convey. Many moons ago at my job, I put up a Black History display outside my office door. I deliberately highlighted the names of those I hadn’t ever heard of. Or I had heard of them but thought perhaps others had not.

[@KAM-rl6tz]

@klingonsexy Fair point. 🙂

[@sunnmcheaux]

"Yet we know about them" is a wildly ignorant response to it being known and shown that what we know about them is mainly manipulated, whitewashed propaganda that doesn't actually represent them faithfully. What you said makes zero sense, and that's why you agree with a *librarian* who got outed as a racist. Congratulations.

[@sunnmcheaux]

She could've literally just presented some books without mentioning Rosa and MLK Jr at all.

[@rhonaravenell4136]

You are right but so is she. We have sooo many heros seldom discussed in the classroom it wouldn't hurt us to introduce more of the multitudes to young (and old) minds.

[@3rdeye7thdimension]

Agreed, but we also need to assess the narratives of the more frequently discussed icons to make sure their story is told right; Sunn is correct that Rosa attended classes about activism; she was steeped in social justice. She was tired all right; tired of being told it's raining while getting pissed on. Tired of watching people that look like her scapegoated, shamed, humiliated, and degraded. She was more tired in her being than whatever a twelve hour shift could have done to her. And thank the gods we were graced with her existence.

[@sunnmcheaux]

There is no "but." Where did you hear me say anything about not presenting other Black figures? HOW is what you said a "but" against what I said?

[@rhonaravenell4136]

I'm not trying to shade you Sunn. I agree with you both that's where the "but" comes in. I was born and raised in Detroit, a mecca for people from all over the south and there are so many giants and places here with historic black history in them I haven't yet run out of stories, people or places to teach my 7 grands about. I met Ms Rosa Parks. I admired her for her courage and actions. Tiny woman full of class. I would never disregard any of our forebearers. This knowledge builds us up. And we should know about as many as we can. Never stop learning!

[@3rdeye7thdimension]

@@sunnmcheaux There clearly is a but, as I did not see who she recommended, and I would have appreciated the alternative names to come to my own conclusions. Your but was the clipped end, *but* that's your prerogative; it's your channel, and your choice. Unless you're going to tell me that it's not your choice? We are not free until everyone is equally free, so I will not pull the wool over your eyes in suggesting you have the freedom of choice, but you still choose what to show, and the choice was clearly leaving out who she suggested. Was her suggestions that egregious, even as you can read that I agree with your original rhetoric that the stories we often hear are a far cry from the reality?

[@3rdeye7thdimension]

Also, Robert Smalls Middle School here; let's talk about that.

[@adrianbrown3085]

I knew about Rosa being an activist, and heard a rumor that Martin was named after Martin Luther, but the rest of this was brand new knowledge which is both surprising and sad. I think it's time to take a hard look at what our history courses and books are actually teaching. I wonder if any students ever learn about what happened to a lot of primarily black towns in the past...

[@smikebacts]

Couldn't agree more. Perfect post.

[@karldehaut]

Not only in USA. The same sanitation of history repeats itself with Nelson Mandela. Upon his death, many media presented him as an unconditional apostle of non-violence. The ANC's nonviolent strategy was abandoned by Nelson Mandela and ANC leadership in 1961, with the creation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a military wing advocating armed action.

[@christianhunt4999]

I agree going over extra people is a good idea. Most educators don't care enough to make new curricula for this, so they end up saying the same 2 paragraphs about the same 2-4 people.

[@mzdicey6684]

I ant gona lie bra, I said this when I was in school to my teachers and to my mother. There are several people we can learn about, why are we only talking about these 10 every year? Every time February came around and I was in class and the teacher talking about MLK, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, etc I’m sleep 😴 cuz y’all about to say the exact same thing from all my previous years🙄.

[@sunnmcheaux]

You do realize the crux of my point is literally that these Black figures have been inaccurately and inadequately taught, right? Has it not occurred to you that they've used oversaturattion of a whitewashed image to make you say the same thing she said about these key figures whose full stories are seldom told?

[@mzdicey6684]

@@sunnmcheaux Hey 👋🏾 Sunn, I hope all is well. Yes I understood your point when you mentioned the schools don’t tell the whole truth about these people but they don’t with most of the history that we learn. All I’m saying is can we talk about more people cuz BHM doesn’t boil down to 10 people. Just my 2 cents 😁. Thanks for your respectful response 🫡.

[@FurikoMaru]

I _did_ know most of this but that's just 'cause I really liked history as a kid and my parents encouraged my interest. A normal elementary schoolkid shouldn't be expected to self-direct their learning.

[@whowantstoknow7825]

This is why I love your channel!

[@janelancley7323]

I'm still learning so much from you. I've said thank you before, but it is worth repeating. Thank you.

[@lisagulick4144]

I am a middle-aged white woman, and as a kid I was taught *nothing* about either Ms. Parks or Dr. King. I learned what I know as an adult, after I got out of my small town and went to college. I'm all for learning more about both these icons of history, as well as about any others I can find, such as Sojourner Truth (far more than the "Aren't I A Woman" speech), Jackie Robinson, and Elijah McCoy. Not "moving on from," but "as well as." Thank you, sir, for teaching me more. Peace be with you.

[@user-qm2li8zx2d]

That "Ain't I a woman" phrase didn't come from Sojourner Truth, it actually was added onto what she spoke about by a white woman. Sojourner actually spoke English the same as Dutch spoke English because Dutch was her first language. Yep the Dutch had slaves as well.

[@lisagulick4144]

@@user-qm2li8zx2d Thanks for that! I knew that there were several written records of the speech, but not that the "refrain" was added later (in grade school I read a version that had Ms. Truth saying "Aren't I a woman?" rather than the incorrect English). It's still a great speech if the later addition is edited out - I have always been convinced that Sojourner Truth was a genius, and would have been an even worse nightmare to the slaveholders if she had known how to read and write (although *another* of the bios I read seemed to indicate that she might have learned to read later in life...can't confirm if that's true or not). And I agree about the Dutch - not only slaveowners, they were leaders in the African slave trade. The more I find out about this aspect of history, the more I want to either cry, scream, or both...and the more I think that it ought to be taught to our children. We can't make it right if we don't know where we went wrong, and who we wronged.

[@user-qm2li8zx2d]

@@lisagulick4144 I remember a brother of mines in the Corps was telling me how the Irish never had slaves and then I told him what my grandfather's family name was (Meara) and he did so many gymnastics trying to explain it away I started laughing. Everybody had their hands in the bowl of blood from the enemy African nations that sold their prisoners of war away to just about every Western European nation, to the Cherokee and in the end the white folks in America.

[@tiffanylittle8225]

Dang! You got me together but in a good way. I did learn today about them out of the box.

[@BrianPinchon]

I truly appreciate your content you've changed the way alot people think about black people especially the ones of us from the south much love my brother

[@andreadaniel8792]

What you say is so true. And I believe they think they know it ALL about those named is because to know more would require that they do some digging, rather than go with the "safe", "whitewashed" info that's been out there for decades. And digging would have to take effort...

[@sunnmcheaux]

Exactly 💯

[@cynthiaward4512]

Mind Blowing, ❤❤❤

[@theforkedman3030]

Love to hear more about those who came before us.

[@Subdood04]

George Washington Carver was a boss! As was Fredrik Douglass and so many others.

[@juliacowser6474]

Maybe her goal is to stop us from finding out more. It would go against their agenda of telling us what they want us to know if we go out fact finding.

[@MontgomeryScotty]

I grew up as a black kid in a Mormon town. I didn't learn about any black history in school until 7th grade. Before that though, my teachers made sure I knew who the founding fathers where and all about Daniel Boone's heroic victory at the Alamo!

[@Kapo8701]

Wow Thank you Sunn Learned a whole lot in this video love it ❤️🤎🖤

[@stonedsasquatch]

Rosa got the idea from Claudette who recently wouldnt get out of her seat. If i remember correctly rosa was Claudettes counselor.

[@sunnmcheaux]

No, she didn't, and Claudette wasn't the first to do it. Mary Louise Smith-Ware did, too, and Elizabeth Jennings did it 100 years before all of them.

[@caesmonde]

@@sunnmcheaux I haven’t been able to contribute $1.99 for a few months now. Do you know what’s up with that? I’ll go to click it and it won’t let the transaction start.

[@dugongsdoitbetter]

Thank you, Sunn !!

[@faithmason9562]

Teach, Sir! Don't even know the half. We outchea!❤

[@marktracy1893]

Like the facts very nice! Also like the shirt! I have the same one except mine says white and proud.

[@angelajones811]

A million years ago, when I was in jr. high, my history teacher, who was Black, put a list of all the Black history figures that we could NOT write reports on for Black history week (Yes, I'm old). It was every Black person mentioned in the history book! We had to do 10 reports! I'm glad she did it. It changed my life forever.

[@sunnmcheaux]

Ommitting Black people from the list does absolutely nothing to improve or expand the study of Black history. She should've let y'all do reports on whoever you chose and encouraged y'all to dig deeper than the surface, whitewashed, spoonfed disinfo that's typically distributed about those Black figures.

[@ByrdieFae]

Got 'em. That was incredibly fascinating

[@user-el3hr7jt4u]

The vid had obvious message of: it's good to put on the spotlight people that are not on the first Google search result

[@wokeaf1242]

In a world where the hegemony is held up by a foundation of racism, misogyny, too many phobias and horrifically evil binaries, we all have to work on shedding ourselves of these massive influences, which is what makes videos like this all the more important.

[@nimo4335]

❤❤❤❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@masakhanedjobodwana2285]

She isn't the only one who got schooled today 🔥🔥🔥😌

[@annmariebusu9924]

They wont teach the details on the black people mentioned just the version acceptedfor publicconsumption. Maybe if they pick someone else they may accidentally reveal some truth 😂

[@sunnmcheaux]

🎯💯

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

Awesome. We need more of this, my friend. Much more. Thanks.

[@librarynerd]

"Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. AND SO FORTH" Who else has she deemed unworthy of further study based on the nuance already contained in her rows of children's picture books? 😂

[@khanbika]

On one hand - you're absolutely right, there are a lot of things we don't know even about the most famous black activists, politicians and heroes(as not in superheroes, but real life heroes). On the other hand - didn't this woman just try to broaden people's knowledge beacuse it's often too limited?

[@marcelrobinson]

Carver didn’t discover the peanut what he discovered was that if cotton farmers rotated, planting peanuts that it would replenish the nitrogen that cotton planting took away from the soil. The reason why peanuts got top billing instead of plants, sweet potatoes or legume, it’s because of the simple fact that peanuts was an imported good at the time.

[@sandraodell610]

Thank you.

[@cherahsBroll]

Well said sir 👏🏾

[@naimanicholson-lovejoy2725]

Oh wow. I didn't know some of what you just told me. And I appreciate the request to reflect on who taught me about these people. Thank you for checking me, and teaching me.

[@libertine40]

Most dont know that MLK was working on a speech the day he was unalived entitled, "Why America May Go to H€ll". And he often spoke about the true and egregious historical narratives of USA, Inc. in addition to the fact that he knew - and spoke about - many of us being Aboriginal American Indians. -----------

[@organicallysoapy29]

Let’s change it to GIVE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE THEIR LAND BACK MONTH.