Abstract
As a child in American schools, I was taught an incomplete and distorted version of my people’s history. Our story often began with slavery, ignoring the rich cultures, literacies, and innovations of West African civilizations. Today, systems continue to censor and limit the teaching of African American history in schools and universities. In response, I’ve taken on the personal mission of learning this history myself—then sharing it widely. This workshop will explore how museums, libraries, galleries, and archives can serve as powerful tools for reclaiming erased histories and igniting social participation. I’ll share my journey of self-education through visits to museums such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the DuSable Museum in Chicago, and the Old Slave Mart Museum in South Carolina. I’ll also discuss how I use my blog, Principal Travels, and social media channels to share the truths I uncover and challenge deficit narratives. Participants will reflect on how cultural institutions can function as living classrooms, then collaborate to generate innovative strategies for using these spaces—and digital platforms—to make untold histories accessible and engaging. Together, we will reimagine how to amplify voices, foster collective learning, and ensure that the stories of African Americans are honored, preserved, and passed on.
Presenters
Gloria Mc Daniel HallAssociate Professor, Educational Leadership, National Louis University, Illinois, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
African American History Travel Blog Incorporation of Museum Images/Artifacts
