I found Dr. House-Soremekun’s Lessons from Down Under to be very interesting. I particularly appreciated the section, Formal and Informal Literacy. The experiences that she shared gave me vivid memories of my own childhood. In this section, she admits to feeling “voiceless” in a classroom that echoed with the sounds of a curriculum that had no familiarity in her world. I can remember sitting in the front of my history classes, (being taught by beautiful, young, black women) and feeling like an alien, thinking, “Where do I fit into this story?” I agree with her descriptive language. I can also identify with her acquisition of “Inherited Literacy.” Her grandmother lived until she was 103 years old and the wealth of knowledge that she obtained from her was amazing. My grandmother live to be 87 and I vividly remember sitting at her side listening and falling in love with her elaborate stories that tied in beauty, magic and our family history. Dr. House-Soremekun’s grandfather’s past also played a major role in her life. Once the Emancipation Proclimation was signed, he went out and bought a knife and fork set because he was tired of eating with his hands after performing hours of daunting field work. That purchase was the first step to him claiming his humility and independence. That story and many other stories passed down to her through her family lineage motivated her to pursue the highest academic degree possible and teach others that aspired to do the same. The connections that Dr. House-Soremekun makes between her family’s past and her own present success are beautiful. Her life is an example of the success that her grandparents dreamed about when they were enslaved and oppressed. I believe that as a professor, she now encourages students to find out more of their history and to use that knowledge as fuel for their endeavors.
-Phenomenal Woman
Danielle Winfrey
I agree completely. Not only do grandparents play a huge role in sharing the history of our families, but other family members do as well, such as our fathers, mothers and many other family members. These stories told by my family in particular motivate me everyday to be the best that I can be!
ReplyDeleteI cannot identify with feeling out of place in a history class. No I didnt hear much about black people in history in the classroom but I did hear about them in my home.
ReplyDeleteI believe that literacy in the classroom is beneficial, but I also believe that the stories and experiences of our ancestors are equally important. I feel as though the life lessons I have learned from my family will benefit me in the future.
ReplyDelete-Lauren T.
I never felt out of place in a history class also. We were taught african american history only because i was in a course specified for that.
ReplyDeleteI do understand how you could say such a thing though. African Americans have just as much history as whites that needs to be documented and praised.
The history of our families come from how important your family history is to those before you. The pride that most people take in their families should be trickled down through the years and generations.
- C.J.R
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ReplyDeleteSometimes, in our Black culture, we forget the importance of family. We have grown so acustom to being raised by a single mother, forgetting that it takes a village to raise a child. It is time that we take advantage of the knowledge given to us not only in the schools, but also in Churches and homes as well. Literacy is understanding elements, knowing their limitations, and utilizing those elements. You will not succeed only by the book smarts that you learn in class; you have to have an understanding of where you come from and an understanding of your faith. This is what Dr. House-Soremekun explains in her piece. We have to take in all of our history, knowledge, and faith to accomplish success.
ReplyDelete~Sojourner Ballard
I completely agree with your views in this blog. Grandparents play a significant role in our families. Grandparents are the curators of our history. I can also recall my grandmothers telling stories of my family history when I was younger. Jerrika Leslie
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this blog, I agree that Grandparents play an important role in family history. We are able to gain wisdom and insight from listening to their stories. The thing that stuck out to me was the Grandfather buying a set of silverware. This was an significant turning point in his life. He was tired of his currnet situation and took action.
ReplyDelete-Darcye S