During the month of February, I had the privilege of volunteering at Carolyn Hoskins’ Black History Museum. The sharing of this amazing personal collection to the community is a gift; however, she needed to raise the question whether community leaders are missing a larger opportunity. She reported that when she asked electeds in the past to find her a permanent space, she was asked why she didn’t seek a space in San Francisco or Oakland where the African American community is larger. I immediately understood the disconnect. This gift gives the African American community an opportunity to learn its painful history as well as its many accomplishments.
It ALSO gives white anti-racists like me an opportunity to address equity, injustice and hate. I was reminded of the South Pacific song, “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” summarized here: “You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear; You’ve got to be taught to be afraid; Of people whose eyes are oddly made; And people whose skin is a diff’rent shade; You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late; Before you are six or seven or eight; To hate all the people your relatives hate.” Powerful.
As a community, we need to find a way to expose all our children to the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum. Join me in supporting opportunities to find a permanent home for this collection and for exposing all our children to the histories and accomplishments of the many diverse communities in our area.
Diana Reddy
Redwood City
The letter writer is the former Redwood City vice mayor and southern vice chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party.
Amen. Like to point out that the history museum on Courthouse Square has had exhibits on black history as well as articles in La Peninsula, the museum magazine.
Ms. Reddy - I always thought that museums served to preserve the past but you seemingly want to find another reason to find a permanent home for this collection. "It ALSO gives white anti-racists like me an opportunity to address equity, injustice and hate." As far as most of us can tell, your specific issues are and have been superfluously addressed so I am not sure why you need a possibly misplaced reminder.
Mr. van Ulden -- it is superfluous to you because you're not the one on the receiving end of the inequality, injustice and hate Ms. Reddy is referring to. Must be nice. I hope we can all get there one day. Unfortunately, we're not all there. But, to you, it doesn't exist because it isn't a part of your experience.
Well Reverence - there we go again. First of all, she is mentioning equity and you are mentioning equality. A big difference. And, how do you know I have not been subjected to inequality and hate? Let me assure you that I have been subjected to gross injustices and lost a job because of false accusations. But, Lady, there is no museum for me. Apparently only Black people are prejudiced against.
Dear Owen_Day - I am not sure about your ability to read and understand simple English. I never said that Black history should be erased. I also have no problem with such a museum. However, a patronizing article by that supporter is misplaced and alluding to misdeeds of the past that in her opinion have not be addressed, is superfluous.
Dear Mr. Van Ulden, It is interesting to see a string of your comments in a row because I notice that pretty much every single time you lead with an insult.
Ms. Reddy - thank you for your letter. I agree with you that it is time for the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum to have a permanent home. Where there is a will, there is a way. And those who do not choose to learn their history -- and Black history is a big part of American history -- are doomed to repeat it. There is much for everyone to learn from this museum.
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(11) comments
Amen. Like to point out that the history museum on Courthouse Square has had exhibits on black history as well as articles in La Peninsula, the museum magazine.
Ms. Reddy - I always thought that museums served to preserve the past but you seemingly want to find another reason to find a permanent home for this collection. "It ALSO gives white anti-racists like me an opportunity to address equity, injustice and hate." As far as most of us can tell, your specific issues are and have been superfluously addressed so I am not sure why you need a possibly misplaced reminder.
Mr. van Ulden -- it is superfluous to you because you're not the one on the receiving end of the inequality, injustice and hate Ms. Reddy is referring to. Must be nice. I hope we can all get there one day. Unfortunately, we're not all there. But, to you, it doesn't exist because it isn't a part of your experience.
How do you know he is "not on the receiving end?" Have you ever met him? I think you are assuming a lot.
Well Reverence - there we go again. First of all, she is mentioning equity and you are mentioning equality. A big difference. And, how do you know I have not been subjected to inequality and hate? Let me assure you that I have been subjected to gross injustices and lost a job because of false accusations. But, Lady, there is no museum for me. Apparently only Black people are prejudiced against.
I couldn't have said it better myself. The continued erasure of Black History justified as "superfluous" is incredibly dangerous.
Dear Owen_Day - I am not sure about your ability to read and understand simple English. I never said that Black history should be erased. I also have no problem with such a museum. However, a patronizing article by that supporter is misplaced and alluding to misdeeds of the past that in her opinion have not be addressed, is superfluous.
Dear Mr. Van Ulden, It is interesting to see a string of your comments in a row because I notice that pretty much every single time you lead with an insult.
Walk a mile in their shoes and then feel free to comment.
Ms. Reddy - thank you for your letter. I agree with you that it is time for the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum to have a permanent home. Where there is a will, there is a way. And those who do not choose to learn their history -- and Black history is a big part of American history -- are doomed to repeat it. There is much for everyone to learn from this museum.
"You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear; You’ve got to be taught to be afraid.." Pot - meet kettle.
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Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.