The readings emphasize how easy history can be misconstrued or taken out of context to convey certain messages. I know personally in school, I did not learn everything about Columbus and his actions once he reached the Americas. We were taught that he sailed from Spain to what he assumed was Asia, in order to achieve gold for his people. Although his actions were gruesome, I believe they should not be covered up in order to maintain his image. It is important to know all details of history as leaving out information creates a distortion of America’s past. To unacknowledge everything that occurred that led up to our modern society leads to ignorance of people’s actions in the past. As seen in our modern day society, we continue to celebrate Columbus Day and his ‘heroic’ actions but don’t seem to acknowledge 1). he did not make it to Asia as he assumed he did, and 2). brutally killed many natives of the land he visited for a reason I really don’t understand. There is much more to unpack in the actions of Columbus. There is valuable knowledge in knowing what was done as we try to understand our society’s history.

Having Dr.Hayter for my Justice and Civil Society class, I always appreciated his honest truth of history and acknowledgement of the systems that affected where society is today. Reading his article really reminded me that there is always a deeper look and meaning into history. Racial segregation in Richmond stems back from very long ago and is still prominent today in communities and government. It is unfortunate that these issues are still seen today, but it is important to understand them as it could help with the solution of moving towards a more inclusive and equal society.