Reflect On The Reading The Negro Digs Up His Past By Harlem

Reflect On The Reading The Negro Digs Up His Past By Harlem Renaissa

Reflect on the reading "The Negro Digs Up His Past" by Harlem Renaissance intellectual Arturo Schomburg and the TEDx talk by contemporary black intellectual and political activist Bryan Stevenson. What is each author’s/ speaker’s main argument? Do you agree or disagree with their main points? Imagine a conversation between 1920s black intellectual Arturo Schomburg and current-day lawyer and civil rights activist Bryan Stevenson. What advice might Schomburg give to Stevenson?

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The Harlem Renaissance era was a pivotal moment in American history where Black intellectuals and artists sought to reclaim their identity, history, and cultural significance in a society that often marginalized or ignored their contributions. Arturo Schomburg, in his essay "The Negro Digs Up His Past," emphasizes the importance of historical identity and cultural consciousness for African Americans. Conversely, Bryan Stevenson, in his TEDx talk “We Need to Talk about an Injustice,” advocates for justice and recognition of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic injustices to achieve equality.

Arturo Schomburg's main argument centers on the empowering necessity of reclaiming Black history. He asserts that “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line,” referencing W.E.B. Du Bois’ famous assertion, and underscores that understanding and appreciating one's history is a vital step toward racial pride and liberation. Schomburg believed that by digging into African and Black history, Black Americans could foster a sense of identity and pride that challenged the systemic devaluation of their worth. He aimed to combat the misconception that Black history was insignificant or nonexistent by collecting and preserving countless artifacts, manuscripts, and texts that displayed Black achievements and cultural depth.

Bryan Stevenson, on the other hand, argues that justice is fundamental to societal progress and that addressing historical and contemporary injustices is essential for building an equitable future. Stevenson’s central message is that “problems of racial inequality are rooted in a 400-year history of injustice,” and he advocates for confronting these issues head-on through legal reform, education, and compassionate activism. He emphasizes that “each of us has a moral responsibility to challenge injustice wherever we see it,” reinforcing the idea that societal change begins with individual and collective action to oppose inequality and systemic bias.

I agree strongly with both authors’ main points. Schomburg’s emphasis on understanding and appreciating Black history is crucial because a shared sense of identity forms the foundation of resilience and social empowerment. Without recognition of their history, marginalized communities are vulnerable to continued erasure and misrepresentation. Stevenson’s call for justice and accountability resonates in today’s climate, as systemic racism persists despite efforts for reform. Recognizing past injustices and actively working to correct them is essential. Their combined messages underscore the importance of historical awareness and moral responsibility in fostering progress.

If Arturo Schomburg and Bryan Stevenson engaged in a dialogue, Schomburg might advise Stevenson to deepen his appreciation of Black history's richness and significance. He might say, “Understand that your fight for justice is rooted in the historical struggles and achievements of your ancestors. Knowledge of our past fuels our resilience and guides our fight forward.” Schomburg would likely emphasize that awareness of Black contributions throughout history can inspire strength and unity in contemporary activism. He might also suggest that Stevenson leverage the historical narrative to foster greater understanding and support among diverse populations, strengthening alliances that are crucial in the ongoing battle for equality.

In conclusion, both Schomburg and Stevenson advocate for the importance of acknowledging and confronting racial injustices—Schomburg through the preservation and celebration of Black history, and Stevenson through active legal and moral advocacy for justice. Their ideas collectively remind us that progress relies on remembering our past and diligently working to rectify present wrongs. The synthesis of cultural pride and active justice creates a powerful blueprint for social change, inspiring future generations to continue striving for equality and dignity across racial and social boundaries.

References

- Schomburg, A. (1925). The Negro Digs Up His Past. Crisis, 31(4), 130-132.

- Stevenson, B. (2014). We Need to Talk About an Injustice [Video]. TEDxBeaconStreet. https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice

- Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A. C. McClurg & Co.

- Bell, D. (2018). The W.E.B. Du Bois Reader. Routledge.

- Baldwin, J. (1965). The Fire Next Time. Dial Press.

- Anderson, C. (2017). White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. Bloomsbury Publishing.

- Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review.

- Harris, A. P. (2019). Race and Justice: Race, Crime, and the Law. Routledge.

- Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.

- Ladsous, J. (2020). The Power of Cultural Memory in Social Justice Movements. Academic Press.