African American History - The Real Truth

All peoples of this world need to know where they came from and the bitter struggles faced by their forefathers in shaping the world as we know it today. In particular not many young African Americans show any inclination to learn of their history, as a result they do not even know themselves. This is indeed a tragedy as African American History tells the story of a glorious and victorious march from enslavement to freedom depending on the version that you read.

Because of the fact that the Historians of that era were Europeans, many of the details and the records of inhumane treatment were deliberately left out. In fact one would find that the information recorded about slavery is simplistic and quite vague. Slave Rebellions were especially quickly quieted. For instance there are hundreds of famous African American slave rebels whose names were not documented, but whose stories are told by those who cherish and uphold the rich African culture and tradition.

However it was not just African American slaves who suffered, even their brothers and sisters in the Caribbean were abused in the worst possible way. But this abuse and punishment started from the moment they boarded the slave ships where they were herded like sheep below deck in sweltering heat and filthy conditions. Widespread African poverty on the dark continent facilitated this act. The journey which lasted months saw many died en route and thrown overboard. Those who survived were made presentable and sold to the highest bidder and then the inhumane treatment continued on the farms where they were placed.

By the far the greatest abuse perpetrated upon the peoples of African descent via the slave trade was not physical but mental and hence the reason why the present generation of African Americans needs to understand their history. Their ancestors were forced to give up their religious beliefs and pray to the western gods. Their culture ranging from African musical instruments and African food was utterly suppressed beyond recognition. They were forced to adopt western names and modes of dress, it was a complete and utter transformation of a people that should never have occurred.

Learning about African American history comes not only from the books and encyclopedias on the school syllabus and in libraries around the world. In fact the real facts about African American history come from those who have stories to be recounted and which have been passed from generation to generation.