Wednesday, August 13, 2025

If History Were Taught Honestly: Liberia’s American Roots

History, African History, American History


Introduction
Juneteenth is about freedom—but it’s also about truth. It’s about telling the real story, not just the neat, edited version that makes us comfortable. Freedom without truth is fragile. And one truth that rarely gets told is the surprising connection between African Americans and the African nation of Liberia. This isn’t just a story about geography—it’s a story about forced migration, survival, resilience, and the power dynamics of who gets to write history.

If history were taught in its truest form, perhaps the White House would not have been so surprised recently about how well some Africans from Liberia speak English. The reality is, there’s a very clear reason why many Liberians speak English fluently and why so many of them carry American-sounding names. And while we’re at it, have you ever taken a close look at the Liberian flag? The resemblance to the American flag is undeniable—stars, stripes, and all. None of this is a coincidence.

Liberia, an independent African nation today, began its life as an American colony. It wasn’t just any overseas project—it was a calculated plan funded by the American Colonization Society, whose purpose was to send free African Americans and formerly enslaved people to Africa. In short, it was forced colonization under the guise of “opportunity,” and it left a complicated legacy that still shapes Liberia today.

In the beginning, things were far from easy. The settlers sent to Liberia were African Americans who, after generations in the United States, no longer spoke African languages, knew African customs, or had an intimate understanding of African societies. Imagine trying to “repatriate” white Americans to their European ancestral homelands after centuries in America—they’d be strangers in a strange land. These new Liberians were essentially cultural foreigners to the African continent, and the adjustment was anything but smooth.

The U.S., however, provided backing and support—financially, politically, and in resources. Over time, with persistence and determination, the small colony carved out on the West African coast began to survive, and eventually, to flourish. The relationship between the African American settlers and the indigenous peoples of the region was tense at first, but necessity and shared goals gradually built a foundation for cooperation.

If history were taught accurately in classrooms, Americans wouldn’t be puzzled about why Liberians speak English so well. Nor would they be surprised that Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe. But here’s the trouble—when the historians who write the textbooks and the clergy who teach biblical history alter the truth, the public gets a distorted version of reality. And when the powerful control the printing presses, they can make sure the stories told fit their preferred narrative, even if that means inserting people into places they never historically existed.

The American Colonization Society itself was a strange mix of motivations. Some of its members were slaveholders who feared that free African Americans would inspire those still in bondage to rebel. Others were slave traders who wanted the Black population in America restricted only to those they could profit from selling. And then there were the well-meaning abolitionists, who, despite opposing slavery, believed that the only place African Americans could truly live free was in Africa.

A surprising fact to many: Confederate General Robert E. Lee—yes, that Robert E. Lee—helped finance the trips of some enslaved people he owned who wanted to go to Liberia. Over time, despite their rocky start, the settlers and the local Africans began to cooperate for mutual benefit. This cooperation eventually transformed the fledgling colony into a sovereign nation.

By 1847, Liberia declared its independence. And in designing their national flag, they made a clear nod to the country that had both displaced and created them—the United States. The Liberian flag’s red and white stripes, blue field, and single white star stand as a reminder of its American colonial origins.

Today, Liberia is unique on the African continent. Its official language is English. Many of its surnames—Johnson, Roberts, Jackson—echo American roots. And its flag, history, and political institutions bear the imprint of a country an ocean away. This shared history is an uncomfortable but undeniable part of both American and African heritage.

Conclusion
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was fought for, not gifted. But it also reminds us that the fight for truth is just as important. The story of Liberia is proof that history is often more connected, more complex, and more revealing than the versions we’re handed in school. By telling it in full—without edits, without omissions—we honor not just those who lived it, but those still seeking freedom today. Because when we know the truth, we can see the ties that bind us… even across oceans.

Liberian Flag

πŸ“œ Did You Know? Liberia’s American Connection

  • Flag Twins: Liberia’s national flag has red and white stripes, a blue square in the corner, and a white star—closely modeled after the U.S. flag. The single star represents Liberia as Africa’s first independent republic.
  • Presidential Namesake: Liberia’s capital city, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe, a strong supporter of the American Colonization Society.
  • American English: English is Liberia’s official language, a legacy of its founding by African Americans and free Blacks from the United States.
  • Familiar Last Names: Many Liberians carry surnames like Johnson, Roberts, and Jackson—remnants of their American heritage.
  • Shared History: Liberia declared independence in 1847, making it the oldest republic on the African continent.
Juneteenth Flag

πŸ” Discover More Hidden History

The story of Liberia is just one of many connections between African American history and the wider world. Our Juneteenth Handbook Blog is dedicated to uncovering the stories that textbooks skip—stories that change how we see our past, our culture, and our future.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Jesse Owens: A Hero Abroad, Snubbed at Home



Jesse Owens, African American History, Black History






 Jesse Owens: A Hero Abroad, Snubbed at Home

In 1936, Jesse Owens became a legend on the global stage. At the Berlin Olympics, he shattered records and Adolf Hitler’s myth of Aryan superiority by winning four gold medals. Owens, a Black American athlete, stunned the world not just with his speed, but with his calm, quiet defiance in the face of hatred. “It took a lot of courage for him to do what he did, in that place, at that time,” sportswriter Grantland Rice once said. Owens didn’t just run races; he ran through walls that were meant to hold him back.

But when Owens returned home to the United States, the welcome from his own government was chillingly cold. President Franklin D. Roosevelt never invited him to the White House. There were no handshakes, no national congratulations from the Oval Office. “Hitler didn’t snub me—it was our president who snubbed me,” Owens would later say. At a time when America still enforced segregation, not even Olympic greatness could erase the color of his skin in the eyes of its highest leaders.

The American public, however, had a more heartfelt reaction. In cities across the country, Owens was hailed as a hero, especially by Black communities who saw him as living proof of their strength and potential. A ticker-tape parade in New York City celebrated his victories, but even that joy came with a bitter aftertaste. When Owens arrived at a reception held in his honor at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, he was forced to use the service entrance and ride the freight elevator because of the hotel’s segregation policy. “I couldn’t ride the elevator with the whites,” he said, “I had to go up in the freight elevator.”

This contradiction—international fame and domestic discrimination- captures the painful complexity of Black life in early 20th-century America. Owens was good enough to represent the U.S. in Germany, but not good enough to be treated with dignity at home. “When I came back to my native country, after all the stories about Hitler,” he said, “I couldn’t ride in the front of the bus. I had to go to the back door. I couldn’t live where I wanted. I wasn’t invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn’t invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either.”

Economically, Owens found few opportunities in the wake of his Olympic success. He was not offered endorsements or financial support. Instead, he had to make ends meet however he could—racing horses at fairs, working gas station jobs, and giving playground talks. “People say that it was degrading for an Olympic champion to race against a horse,” he once noted. “But what was I supposed to do? I had four gold medals, but you can’t eat four gold medals.”

Despite these challenges, Owens continued to inspire. In time, the country slowly began to acknowledge the injustice he had endured. In 1976, President Gerald Ford awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him “an American who challenged the spirit of Hitler and triumphed.” In 1990, long after Owens' death, President George H. W. Bush posthumously awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

Jesse Owens’ story serves as a powerful reminder that Black excellence has often been met with resistance at home, even as it wins admiration abroad. His legacy echoes the deeper meaning of Juneteenth: a celebration of freedom that acknowledges both progress and pain. Just like those who waited two and a half years to learn they had been freed, Owens’ wait for recognition was long and unjust. But his endurance, like theirs, became a lesson in strength.

Thank you for visiting the Juneteenth Handbook Blog. Please consider sharing this story as a reminder that the fight for dignity and equality did not end with emancipation; it continues today. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/findhank, and help keep the conversation going. In the words of Jesse Owens:

“The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible battles inside all of us—that’s where it’s at.”



Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Family

My original Canva design

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Family

When celebrating Juneteenth, it’s important to remember a few key truths that help us better understand the full story of African American history. First and foremost, while all the enslaved people in the United States were Black, not all Black people in the country were enslaved. A number of African Americans lived as free individuals—free from the legal bonds of slavery—even during times when slavery was still practiced in many states. Their presence challenges simplified narratives and invites us to look deeper into the varied experiences of Black life in America.

However, being legally free did not mean living with dignity or rights. Free Black people were still not considered full citizens, and they were largely excluded from political participation. As Frederick Douglass, himself a formerly enslaved man, famously said: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”—a piercing reminder that even national celebrations of liberty rang hollow for many. Free African Americans lived under a legal and social system that marginalized them at every turn.

Not all white people in America were slaveholders. From the very beginning of slavery in the U.S., there were individuals who opposed it—both Black and white. These individuals would form the backbone of the abolitionist movement and, eventually, the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman, herself an escaped slave, once said, “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” Tubman’s courage reminds us of the incredible risks taken to resist oppression, and how liberation was often a collaborative effort between races.

The Underground Railroad was more than a secret network—it was an act of organized moral defiance. Free Black communities and sympathetic white allies created paths to freedom under the threat of fines, imprisonment, and death. These acts of resistance weren’t just about freedom from slavery—they were about the belief in human dignity. As abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison declared, “Enslave the liberty of but one human being and the liberties of the world are put in peril.”

During the days of American slavery, it was sometimes possible—though extremely difficult—for a person to buy their own freedom or that of a family member. These efforts were often funded by years of labor, support from the Black community, or allies. It was a way of reclaiming agency in a system designed to deny it. The path to freedom was never just a legal process—it was a deeply emotional, often spiritual, journey grounded in love for family and hope for a better future.

One of the most devastating and long-lasting effects of slavery was its destruction of the Black family. It was rare for enslaved families to remain intact. Parents, children, and siblings were frequently sold apart. The trauma of these separations echoes through generations. As civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer put it, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” That exhaustion came not just from injustice, but from centuries of broken homes and fractured legacies.

There is also a lesser-known truth: some free Black people owned slaves. But context matters. In many instances, these enslaved individuals were family members—spouses, children, or relatives—who had been purchased as a way to protect them and keep them close. These acts were often desperate measures to preserve family bonds in a system where legal ownership was the only means of protection. Even in such painful complexity, the value of family remained central.

That’s why Juneteenth is more than a celebration of emancipation—it is also a celebration of family. It is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices, the resilience, and the fierce love that helped African Americans endure and rise. In remembering the fight for freedom, we must also honor the struggle to keep families together and histories alive. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not only about release from chains—it’s also about the restoration of what was lost.


Continue the Journey—Share the Legacy

Juneteenth is not just history—it’s heritage. If this post helped deepen your understanding or stirred something in your heart, don’t let the conversation stop here.

πŸ‘‰ Share this post with your friends, family, or community—because the more we understand our past, the better we can shape our future.
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Let’s honor our ancestors by staying informed, staying connected, and keeping the spirit of Juneteenth alive—every day of the year.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

African American Story, Online Store.


History, African American History,


Welcome to the African American Story Store, where history lives, breathes, and inspires. This is more than a store—it is a curated celebration of Black heritage, from ancient times to the present day. We invite you to explore the power, resilience, creativity, and brilliance of African American culture through products that tell a story and connect us to our roots.

The journey begins in Africa—the cradle of humanity. Long before borders were drawn or empires rose in the West, civilizations flourished along the Nile and beyond. From Nubia to Kush, from Axum to Timbuktu, these kingdoms gave the world astronomy, architecture, philosophy, and governance. Our store features Ancient African art that honors these early trailblazers, allowing you to bring home pieces inspired by the greatness of our ancestors. As history moved forward, so did the African people—some by force, others through resilience. The transatlantic slave trade uprooted millions, scattering African peoples across the Americas. But even in bondage, their spirit could not be broken. The African American Story Store exists to honor those ancestors who survived and fought for freedom with dignity and unshakable strength.

Our collections reflect the journey of African Americans through centuries of struggle and triumph. From plantation fields to picket lines, from the Harlem Renaissance to the Civil Rights Movement, Black Americans have shaped the fabric of this nation. Our store showcases this legacy with African American History merchandise—shirts, mugs, posters, and accessories that reflect both historic milestones and everyday Black excellence. We are proud to feature a wide range of Juneteenth-themed products that capture the significance of this sacred celebration. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States, and with it, a powerful message of liberation and remembrance. From flags and banners to decorative supplies and party favors, we help you commemorate this important day in style, spirit, and truth.

For families and communities gathering to celebrate, we offer Juneteenth party and game supplies designed to educate, entertain, and uplift. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout, a school event, or a community festival, our products help make the experience fun, meaningful, and full of pride. Every celebration becomes a teachable moment—and a joyful one, too. Creativity is woven into the culture, and our art section reflects this beautifully. Explore African American art pieces that range from traditional to contemporary. Whether you're decorating your home or looking for a standout piece for your office, our art celebrates the diversity, struggle, and imagination of Black creators throughout history.

Many of our items can be customized or personalized, making them perfect gifts for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other special occasions. Whether it’s a custom-printed shirt with an empowering quote or a personalized journal celebrating Black girl magic or Black boy joy, we help you create meaningful gifts that leave a lasting impression. The African American Story Store is a place for storytelling through merchandise. Each item carries a message—one of pride, remembrance, or hope. Whether you're wearing it, displaying it, or giving it away, you're helping to tell a story that needs to be heard and never forgotten.

Our mission is not just to sell, but to educate, inspire, and uplift. That's why we take care in curating products that are both beautiful and historically grounded. We believe knowledge is power, and every product you find here is rooted in cultural truth and pride. As you browse our store, you’ll find gifts and goods that reflect joy, strength, and legacy. From historical icons like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X to cultural celebrations like Kwanzaa and Juneteenth, every product serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future.

Join us in celebrating the full arc of African American history—from the brilliance of ancient Africa to the ongoing contributions of Black Americans today. At the African American Story Store, we invite you to shop with purpose, gift with meaning, and remember that every story matters—especially ours.

Friday, July 4, 2025

The Black Messiah

Black Jesus, Black Messiah

 

In Revealing the True Face of Christ, author Hank Gray invites us on a powerful and deeply spiritual journey—one that challenges centuries of misrepresentation and restores the image of Christ to its rightful place. This isn’t the version revised by empires and echoed through stained-glass windows in distant cathedrals. This is the Black Messiah, as he was known by those who walked beside him—people of color, rooted in African and Middle Eastern soil, who saw in him a liberator, teacher, and reflection of themselves.

Gray’s work is grounded in truth and illuminated by historical, biblical, and cultural insights. With clarity and boldness, he uncovers how the original followers of Christ, melanated people who shaped the early faith, were erased from sacred narratives over time. The result has been a distorted image of the Messiah, used to uphold systems of dominance rather than liberation. This book sets out to correct that distortion and call readers back to a Christ who still dwells in the margins, still walks with the oppressed.

What makes this journey especially compelling is Gray’s use of visual storytelling. This isn’t just a collection of facts—it’s an experience. With quotes and culturally accurate descriptions that bring the true face of Christ to life, allowing readers to reconnect with a spiritual legacy that is both ancient and urgent. You’ll see the Messiah not through the lens of conquest, but through the eyes of his community—those who called him brother, friend, and Savior.

But Revealing the True Face of Christ is more than a historical correction—it’s a call to spiritual healing. It invites us to renew our faith by embracing our heritage, our identity, and our divine reflection. Gray reminds us that to reclaim the Black Messiah is to reclaim ourselves. This book is both a revelation and a restoration, planting seeds of pride, purpose, and peace in the hearts of those who read it.

And this is just the beginning. Revealing the True Face of Christ is part of the bold new Alkebulan Diaries book collection—a series dedicated to uncovering the hidden truths of Africa’s sacred past. These books aren’t just about ancient history—they’re about reclaiming the stories, the spirit, and the significance of a people whose contributions have been ignored or whitewashed for far too long. With a mix of powerful storytelling and grounded scholarship, the Alkebulan Diaries will change the way you see the world—and yourself.

Let’s start with Revealing the Real Face of Christ, the anchor of the series. In this revelatory book, Gray pulls back the curtain on centuries of religious distortion, reintroducing readers to a Christ who is Black, bold, and deeply connected to Africa. It’s not just about theology—it’s about truth, healing, and the power of representation. To see Christ in your image is to see the divine in yourself.

Next is Mankind, Made in Africa, which takes us even further back, to the very origins of humanity. With warmth and clarity, Gray walks readers through the scientific and spiritual significance of Africa as the cradle of civilization. This book isn’t just a celebration of first footsteps; it’s a reminder that greatness, innovation, and sacred tradition are deeply embedded in African soil and in the people who emerged from it.

Then there’s When Africa Ruled the World, a thrilling account of Africa’s glory days—when kingdoms flourished, wisdom reigned, and Black rulers shaped the world. From the Black Pharaohs of Egypt to the architectural genius of Imhotep, this book lifts the veil on an era of unmatched excellence. Gray tells these stories with pride and passion, making sure readers walk away knowing exactly how powerful and influential Africa truly was—and still is.

Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots, teaching your children about their heritage, or simply curious to learn what history books left out, the Alkebulan Diaries are a must-read. Each book is fun, accessible, and packed with truths that empower and uplift. It’s time to tell our stories, celebrate our legacy, and rewrite the narrative—one chapter at a time.

So join Hank Gray on this journey of rediscovery, restoration, and revelation. The Alkebulan Diaries aren’t just books. They’re a movement. Let’s reclaim the past and reshape the future—together.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Memorial Day Remembered

My Cava art



The Forgotten Origins of Memorial Day: Honoring the Legacy of African Americans in Charleston

Like so many chapters of American history, the contributions of African Americans to our nation’s story have often been sidelined, rewritten, or erased entirely. One such overlooked chapter involves the origins of Memorial Day. While today’s celebration is marked with parades, flags, and moments of silence, the true roots of Memorial Day begin with a powerful and heartfelt act of remembrance—led by formerly enslaved African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, these newly freed individuals were not just rebuilding their own lives—they were actively shaping the legacy of a nation in recovery. They remembered those who fought and died for their freedom. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, wasn’t born from a government proclamation. It was born from the hands, hearts, and prayers of a resilient community determined to honor sacrifice and dignity.

Let’s rewind to 1865. While the Civil War was still coming to an end, Confederate forces in Charleston had taken over an old horse racetrack and turned it into a prison camp. Union soldiers held there were subjected to horrific conditions—poor sanitation, starvation, and neglect. Over 250 men died there, their bodies tossed into a mass grave with no markers, no names, and no honor.

When the war finally ended and Confederate troops withdrew, they left behind a city scarred by war and a population of freed slaves determined to heal and rebuild. Learning of the mass grave at the racetrack, a group of African Americans set out to do something extraordinary. They exhumed every one of the fallen Union soldiers and reburied them properly. Over their new resting place, they erected a simple but profound sign: “Martyrs of the Racecourse.”

Then, on May 1, 1865, these American Africans held what would become the first Memorial Day celebration in U.S. history. Over 10,000 people—mostly freed slaves—gathered to honor the Union dead. Children led the way, carrying flowers and singing songs. Families processed around the old racetrack, transforming a place of death into sacred ground.

At the center of the ceremony were African American preachers who offered prayers and read scripture. A children’s choir sang hymns, and the crowd—rich with sorrow and hope—paid their respects to the fallen. It was a powerful, emotional act of remembrance, a deeply American moment grounded in freedom, justice, and gratitude.

This story, however, isn’t widely known. Over the years, the narrative of Memorial Day has shifted, with the origin often attributed to various towns and military traditions. Yet, history is clear: the first large-scale Memorial Day event was led by black Americans who understood the cost of freedom and chose to honor it.

So, as we gather each year to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country, let’s also remember the group of freedmen and women who made sure that the fallen were never forgotten. Their act of courage and compassion is not just a footnote in history—it’s the very foundation of Memorial Day itself.


Thank you for reading. If this story moved you, share it with someone and help restore the full truth of America’s history—because remembering how we remember is just as important as the act itself.

Friday, May 23, 2025

From Enslaved Pilot to Civil War Hero

 

My Canva Art


Robert Smalls: From Enslaved Pilot to Civil War Hero and Congressman

A Remarkable Story of Courage, Freedom, and Legacy

By [Your Name], Juneteenth Handbook Blog


Born into Bondage, Destined for Greatness

Robert Smalls was born into slavery on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Despite living in a system designed to suppress and silence him, Smalls acquired valuable maritime skills while working on ships in Charleston Harbor. These skills would one day help him chart a course not just to freedom—but to history.


A Daring Escape on the CSS Planter

On the night of May 12, 1862, Smalls made a bold and strategic move. While the white officers were ashore, he commandeered the Confederate transport ship CSS Planter, a military cargo vessel. With a crew of fellow enslaved men, and their families aboard, he navigated the heavily guarded Charleston Harbor under the cover of darkness.


Delivering Freedom—and Intelligence—to the Union

Smalls sailed the Planter straight into the Union blockade, surrendering the ship to Union forces. Not only did this act free everyone aboard, but Smalls also delivered valuable artillery and military secrets. His daring and success made national headlines, turning him into an immediate Civil War hero and a powerful symbol of Black resistance and intelligence.


Inspiring Change in the Union Army

Smalls' heroism caught the attention of President Abraham Lincoln and Union leaders. His example helped change minds in Washington, convincing key decision-makers to allow African American soldiers to enlist in the Union Army. Smalls didn’t just liberate a ship—he opened the door for thousands of Black men to fight for their freedom.


Service and Leadership in War

After his historic escape, Smalls continued to serve the Union as the pilot of the Planter, which was refitted for use as a Union warship. He later became the first Black captain in U.S. naval service, a testament to his skill, bravery, and leadership during the war.


Returning Home and Rebuilding the South

Following the Civil War, Smalls returned to Beaufort. He was appointed a Major General in the South Carolina Militia and quickly became a prominent political leader during Reconstruction. His work focused on rebuilding his community and ensuring newly freed African Americans had access to education, civil rights, and economic opportunity.


A Political Trailblazer

As a member of the Republican Party, Smalls was elected to the South Carolina Legislature and later to the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving multiple terms in Congress, he fought tirelessly for racial equality, public education, and justice in a deeply divided post-war America.


Legacy of Freedom and Determination

Robert Smalls’ life is a powerful reminder of what it means to fight for freedom, not only for oneself but for others. From enslaved beginnings to naval hero and respected congressman, his story stands as a beacon of hope, courage, and possibility—ideals at the heart of what we celebrate on Juneteenth.


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