LEARNING TOGETHER: The Story of America
I bet you didn’t learn this is school…
In 1865, newly freed slaves in Charleston, South Carolina gathered at a former Confederate prison camp to honor Union soldiers who’d died during the Civil War.
Originally called Decoration Day. The graves of the soldiers were exhumed and reburied in rows. The purpose was meant to give these unknown soldiers a proper burial. Over 10,000 mostly freed slaves attended the event. Carrying flowers to place on graves, Black people including Black Union soldiers marched and sang songs.
In 1868, Americans were encouraged to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. This was considered the official start of Memorial Day, which meant that the African Americans who paid tribute to the soldiers in 1865 were never acknowledged.
This part of our history never made it to our history books thanks to those who control (to this day) the narrative of African American history. This is why it is so important that we tell our own stories. That we share the stories of Black Americans fight for freedom, contributions to America, and accomplishments in all areas.
OUR HISTORY MATTERS
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