That Takes Through the Ages: Stories That Bind Generations


Most people actually think of history in the form of grand events and people, but that is nothing more than the surface depth of its reality. The true essence of history finds that particular thread in the lives of ordinary people, in the stories passed down through time, enriched with struggle and triumph, and seasoned with persistence as the harbinger of black history facts  itself. Most of these narratives, told around the dining table, bridge that past to the present, bringing families and communities together in very beautiful ways.


The Strength of Oral Tradition in Black History


One of the major characteristics that define black history is simply, the narration by word of mouth. Before reading and writing became so common to everyone, all stories were told orally; they were preserved such that cultures, values, and wisdom passed from generation to generation. Back in the day, our African ancestors had griots or seasoned storytellers who kept living history. These endeavors facilitated the task of oral historians by keeping track of entire family legacies and that of their communities as required.


But in this age of digital documentation, oral storytelling never fails to be one major aspect of Black history. Family elders might have shown us the history of hardship, survival, and accomplishment that most inspire younger generations. If these accounts of personal lives or stories were not shared, most of the time, Black history would be lost or overlooked or would be misrepresented.


Read It: The Power of the Dinner Table: Reviving Family Traditions Through Storytelling


Unknown History Fact of Black


Among the many thousands who know about such Black historical figures as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Malcolm X, countless others are distinguished lesser-known individuals and facts that actually minted history. Here are just a few:


  • Dr. Shirley Jackson – An applied physicist, was instrumental in the telecommunications revolution through the invention of caller ID and call waiting.


  • Robert Smalls - An enslaved freedman who grabbed a Confederate vessel and later became a congressman in the United States.


  • The Real McCoy – meaning true exceptional, where an inventor had created a very efficient lubricating oil system for trains that outdid any other imitation.


  • Oklahoma's Black Wall Street- A flourishing African American business area in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which met its unfortunate end during one of the worst racial slaughters in American history in 1921.


Most of the time, these stories go untold in "unbiased" history books, yet they need to be preserved and celebrated. 


Keeping the Legacy Alive: Black Family Reunions


When reflecting on black family reunions, they have long been a tradition cherished by many people; the event serves as a time in which generations gather to tell each other stories about the ancestors they honor. Such gatherings reinforce cultural identity and give room for oral history to thrive. Elders share wisdom, children learn about where they came from, and food, music, and storytelling share great traditions.


In many ways, family reunions serve as living history lessons that ensure that Black history will still have life in preservation and for future generations. They help to remind the family of their strength.


Read More: Leftovers of Love: The Power of African American Reunions


Location: Fairfield, CT, USA

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