WHY?

    It is a fact that African American History has, over the centuries, been marginalized, revised, and in many cases, virtually omitted from our nation’s history curricula and textbooks.  Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), educator and the founder of “Negro History Week” in 1926, wrote,  “The distortions and deletions of Black history in the American historical record were detrimental to the health of a nation whose inherent promise is life, liberty and justice for all.”

    It is also true that when a race of people does not know its history or, the history is altered so completely as to be shattered beyond recognition, they are left with a deep sense of psychological loss and confusion about their place or purpose in the design of humanity.  For Black Americans, an inevitable and seemingly unending quest to fill the identity void is often undertaken without adequate resources and factual information, thus yielding a harvest of negative and unproductive life situations.  To their great credit, they have still made many great achievements in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. Yet, to paraphrase journalist and writer Alex Haley,  “You can’t know where you’re going, unless you know where you’ve been.”

    And, more recently, noted researcher, cataloguer and appraiser, Wyatt Houston Day, wrote, “The history of the African-American experience has long been marred by the sins of omission and commission. Because of embarrassment, guilt, or outright racism, much of the African-American’s past has been conveniently forgotten, re-written, or simply tossed out. It is therefore of vital importance to the survival of our society, that we search out, find and preserve this history because it is not just the history of the African American, it is American History.”

    Yet, African Americans today are still posing the question, “What has changed?”

    Sadly, the answer appears to be, “Very little.” True, we now do have computers, the Internet, many fine texts and books on African American history, some fine research centers, and now historical documentaries shown mostly on cable television and PBS stations.  And, while this is certainly a major improvement, many prominent Black leaders argue that a new and greater emphasis should and must be placed upon the teaching, discussion and dissemination of African American history throughout the entire year, not just during Black History Month each February. But the question still remains -- how and where can people regularly see and experience for themselves the entirety of Black History in a way that is visual, informative, inspiring, and truth-centric?”

 

ENTER   THE   MITCHELL   COLLECTION

     The Mark E. Mitchell Collection of African American History is one of the powerful links that directly addresses the problem.  It graphically presents the glorious history of people of African descent in America by physically documenting and exhibiting the struggles, accomplishments, contributions and courage of African Americans over the past four centuries, even in the face of daunting and terrible adversity and intolerance.  Mark E. Mitchell believes that this rich history and culture must be preserved, taught and remembered so that current and future generations of African Americans can truly appreciate the truth about who they are and can then build on their glorious legacy.   Furthermore, others will also have the opportunity to learn about the contributions and dignity of black people to encourage respect, understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures, races and ethnic groups.

    With it’s in-depth coverage of four centuries of Africans in America coupled with superbly framed historic documents, priceless manuscripts, letters from the famous and not-so-famous, rare books and newspapers, and important photographs, the Mitchell Collection literally surrounds the viewer with a 360 degree look at Black History that is almost overwhelming.  At an exhibit in a large metropolitan A.M.E. church, an elder told hundreds of his brothers and sisters, “We are surrounded by our ancestors!” The effect on the people was mesmerizing. It was as if history itself had literally “come alive.”

    At yet another showing of the collection, visitors took the time to record their thoughts and experiences in a logbook:

– An invaluable collection that all Americans should see. The Collection gives a clear perspective of where our people have been, how far we have come, and how much can be accomplished against incredible odds. -- Joanne Brown

– As an African American student, I thank you for sharing the historical heritage of my ancestors.  What a wealth of information which is not captured in either the school system nor our culture. My fellow students and I greatly appreciate your efforts. - Jamal Harrison

    And, here is what a noted African American scholar stated after viewing a small portion of the Mitchell Collection:

- From the Revolutionary era, to the Civil War and Reconstruction through the early writings of the Harlem Renaissance period, to the great Jazz musicians of the 20th century, the letters of Malcolm X and the correspondence of Alex Haley, the collection is invaluable for teachers and writers of American history.  - Dr. James Oliver Horton, author and Benjamin Banneker Professor of History & American Studies, George Washington University

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