Giving Compass' Take:

• Samantha Garzillo reports that history books in America are filled primarily with white men. Often, they fail to disclose the immoral and criminal behavior of important figures. 

• How can philanthropy diversify the people who appear in history books, museums, and statues to help Americans better understand history? What neglected historical figures deserve higher status? 

• Learn how Ole Miss is grappling with its links to slavery and racism.

Too often though, the dominant narrative of Philadelphia history focuses on the accomplishments of white men, leaving out the equally important contributions of other groups including people of color and women. In April students from 15 Philadelphia-area high schools came together through the AspenX program to learn about the untold history of race in Philadelphia and tell their own stories.

Students began day one with experiential learning at the Philadelphia History Museum, where museum historian Cindy Little showcased artifacts of Philadelphia history including shackles that bound slaves’ wrists and ankles. As artifacts made their way around the circle, Little centered a discussion on the hypocrisy between the city’s reputation as a safe haven for the free black population in the 18th and 19th Centuries and its economic reliance on cotton picked by slaves.

Students were then taken through an overview of the US’ history of racial oppression and inequity. “Our country begins with the genocide of one population and the enslavement of another,” said Molitor. “How does that history still impact us today?” The group again highlighted Philadelphia’s importance as a historic city that played a significant role in embedding racism into the fabric of America. The group emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in dominant historical narratives, especially those taught in K-12 history courses.

Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School freshman Zion Patton questioned, “Why do we have to pay or sign up for special classes to learn about our people, but we don’t have to do that to learn about white people?” Central High School senior Aaliyah Johnson responded that this is not how history deserves to be told. Strath Haven High School sophomore Alise Mackey shared that she has been lobbying her school to get African-American studies courses added to the curriculum.

Read the full article about who makes the history books by Samantha Garzillo at The Aspen Institute.