African American History Tour

The African American history tour taught me a lot about the great and too often overlooked contributions of African Americans to US history. We saw many memorials and monuments that represent the many ways that African Americans have dedicated their lives to helping and defending this country, and I am honestly disappointed in myself for not knowing a single one of them until today.

One example is the Mary McLeod Bethune memorial in Lincoln Park. In 1944, she became the highest ranking African American woman in government after President Franklin Roosevelt appointed her director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. She was also a great champion of racial and gender equality, and she was dedicated to helping and teaching African American youths in this country. Until today, I had no idea she ever existed.

Another thing I learned is how much of the United States military was made up of African Americans during the Vietnam War. One quarter of the men in the army were African American, while they only accounted for 12% of the United States population at the time. A total of 7,234 African American soldiers died fighting for our country in Vietnam, and they were treated terribly when they returned.

The last example from the tour took place when we were on the bus and the tour guide, Dré, asked us if we could name one civil rights activist other than Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass. I couldn’t think of any others, but Dré then talked about several activists who made great contributions not just to justice but to science and technology as well. My lack of knowledge showed me that there are many people who have been a part of this movement who did great work but who aren’t recognized as they should. This tour has taught me a lot and given me a lot to think about, and I am glad I got this opportunity.

-Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp

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