S3.E1-Black Washed History: Exposing Truth in a Whitewashed World

In this thought-provoking episode of Black Washed History (formerly The Coin Black History on the Other Side), we delve into two critical yet often misunderstood concepts: white washed and black washed history. Why are some historical events celebrated while others are erased? How do these narratives shape our understanding of the past and impact our present?

Join us as we uncover the origins, implications, and debates surrounding these historical frameworks. From the distortion of Christopher Columbus' story to the powerful reclamation of silenced voices in Black history, this episode explores the importance of striking a balance in storytelling. Discover how we can move toward a more nuanced, inclusive understanding of our shared history.

Don’t just learn history—challenge it. Tune in now and redefine the narrative!

Meet Your Host:

Brittany Wilkins—a self-proclaimed Black history bluff turned passionate educator—takes you on a journey like no other. At one point in her life, Brittany felt something was missing. Having never been taught history from a diverse perspective, she set out to rediscover her roots with the guidance of historians. Now, she’s paying it forward, honoring the historians who paved the way and ensuring the legacy of Black history thrives for future generations.

Will you join Brittany on this transformative journey?

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Transcript

Welcome to Black Washed History formerly The Coin Black History on the other Side , where we dig deep into the stories that shape our understanding of the past, present, and future. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important for how we engage with history: the concepts of white washed and black washed history.

Think about the history you were taught in school or the stories you've come across in books and documentaries. Have you ever wondered why certain events are highlighted while others are glossed over? Or why some figures are hailed as heroes while the contributions of others are barely mentioned? These questions bring us to two key terms: white washed and black washed history. Let’s break down what each means and why understanding them matters so much.

Segment 1: What is White Washed History?

Let’s start with white washed history. This refers to the portrayal of historical narratives that center the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of white individuals, often to the exclusion of non-white voices. In this version of history, significant stories of struggle, contributions, and resilience from marginalized groups are either minimized or erased altogether.

Think back to your school days: how many times were you taught that Christopher Columbus “discovered” America? That’s a prime example of white washed history. It frames Columbus as a hero without addressing the catastrophic impact his arrival had on Indigenous peoples. It’s not just about the omission of facts; it’s about reinforcing a story that benefits a certain narrative—one that maintains the status quo.

But why is this a problem? White washing leads to generations growing up with an incomplete or skewed understanding of the past. It underplays the true scale of systemic injustices, erasing the brutal realities of colonization and slavery, and leaving out the contributions and agency of non-white communities. This affects not just how history is taught, but how we understand present-day social structures and cultural identities.

What is Black Washed History?

Now, let’s turn the page and talk about black washed history. This term refers to the retelling or framing of history in a way that amplifies and celebrates the contributions of Black individuals or groups. Black washing is often seen as a corrective response to the erasure found in white washed narratives. It’s about reclaiming space in the historical record for voices that have been systematically silenced.

While this approach can be empowering and necessary for shedding light on overlooked figures and achievements, it’s not without its debates. Critics argue that black washing can sometimes push the narrative too far, presenting stories in a way that distorts or simplifies complex historical truths. For instance, while it’s important to recognize Black inventors’ contributions to technological advancements, focusing solely on them without acknowledging collaborations may blur the historical reality.

 But here’s the key point: black washed history often emerges as a reaction to white washing. It seeks to balance the scales, to tell stories that were silenced, and to show that Black individuals didn’t just experience history passively—they actively shaped it.

 Why It All Matters

So, why does this all matter? Well, how we tell history directly impacts how we see ourselves and others in society. White washed history can sustain damaging stereotypes and prevent people from seeing the rich, diverse tapestry of human achievements. On the other hand, black washed history, while essential for reclaiming forgotten stories, needs to stay grounded in historical accuracy to avoid skewing the full picture.

 A balanced historical narrative isn’t about swapping one type of exclusion for another. It’s about enriching our understanding by recognizing the good, the bad, and the complex truth of the past. It’s about including every voice that shaped history so that we can engage in a more nuanced dialogue about where we come from and, ultimately, where we’re going.

Moving Toward Balanced Storytelling

Moving toward a balanced understanding of history requires effort from educators, historians, and even us as learners. We need to:

- Recognize our biases and question why some stories are told and others are not.

- Amplify diverse voices without overshadowing the collaborative and shared nature of many historical moments.

- Promote dialogue that embraces complexity instead of leaning into simple narratives.

Remember, history isn’t static. It evolves as new evidence is found and as we grow to value inclusivity in our storytelling. The challenge—and the beauty—of history is that it’s a living narrative. We can and should reclaim stories that were overlooked without forgetting the importance of balance and accuracy.

Thanks for tuning in to Black Washed History formerly The Coin: Black History on the Other Side. If you enjoyed this episode or found it thought-provoking, make sure to subscribe and share it with others who are passionate about understanding the full picture of our shared past. Until next time, keep questioning, keep learning, and keep uncovering the stories that deserve to be told.