Go Back and Get It: A Sankofa Story | Vanessa Wright | TEDxColumbiaCollegeChicago

Core Message - The speech emphasizes the importance of reclaiming and sharing untold stories, particularly those related to race, culture, and identity, to foster understanding and healing [26] - It advocates for a proactive approach to addressing historical silences and gaps in knowledge, urging individuals and communities to actively seek out and share these narratives [12][26] Personal Narrative & Context - The speaker shares personal experiences of growing up in a diverse environment and encountering racism, highlighting the impact of silence and the need to confront difficult truths [1][2][3][4][5] - The speaker's family potluck dinners represented inclusion and cultural exchange, contrasting with the later experience of racial hate, illustrating the complexities of identity and belonging [1][2][3][4] - The burning cross incident at the speaker's home underscored the presence of hate even within a loving environment, emphasizing the need to address racism directly [4] Education & Societal Impact - The speech critiques the limited and often biased portrayal of Black history in schools, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive and accurate education [7][8] - The speaker highlights the detrimental effects of silence on children, leading to curiosity without context and perpetuation of stereotypes [8][9] - The speaker's documentary work, including "Sankofa Chicago," aims to address these gaps in historical understanding and promote a deeper appreciation of Black history [14][15] - The speaker notes that Illinois is ahead of most states in mandating Asian-American history and Black history beyond slavery in high schools [16][17] Call to Action - The speech encourages listeners to identify and share untold stories within their own families and communities [26] - It promotes the concept of "Sankofa" – going back to retrieve what was lost – as a guiding principle for reclaiming and sharing these narratives [12][18] - The speaker emphasizes that addressing racism and historical silences is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive society [26]