How Dr. Carter G. Woodson's Legacy Impacted a Middle School Student's Life

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was the man who brought negro history to recognition and shaped many kids' education. Because of this, many people's lives have been changed for the better and a little for the worse. This man has also changed or shaped my life too, mostly in a good way but also a little bit in a bad way. I am white and I have a lot of black friends or African American friends and sometimes they make jokes referring to the past life of black people and white people (which I couldn't even control) that go a little too far. Then again, I get to go to school with people with different skin colors as me, and we all get the same education which is great and Carter G Woodson was a big role in making that happen.

Woodson has shaped my life in a lot of good ways, one example is that I get to go to school with people that have different skin colors than me and we all get the same education. If Carter didn't do what he did, then I bet that I would be in a school where white kids got a better education than black kids because he took a big role in shaping everybody’s education to be the same. Thankfully, it isn't like that, and I get the same education as everybody in the school. Even though there is a lot of good in that, some people in the school use history against me.

Woodson was another big role in bringing those facts about the past up. Don't get me wrong, I love how people now can recognize how different people were treated in the past but some people use that history in the wrong way. Even though it is all fun in games, sometimes my classmates make jokes about me being a slave owner or me being treated differently because I’m white. In reality, those jokes hurt me a little bit and they don't recognize how wrong that is. Even though that happens, I have learned to shrug it off because they are just making a joke and didn't actually mean to hurt me.

In conclusion, he was a great man that lived a life that changed many lives including mine.

Middle School Student Shares the Significance of Black History Month

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of Black History Month. It serves as a reminder that the history of the United States includes African Americans as well as White people and is not only the history of White people. Additionally, it provides a chance to honor the historical contributions and accomplishments of black people as well as to raise awareness of their current fight for justice and equality.

As a person of color, it is crucial for me to recognize and comprehend the historical achievements made by my ancestors and community. Knowing that we played a significant role in creating the world we live in today fills me with pride and motivates me to keep working for justice and equality. In order to have a more thorough understanding of the past and to be able to make wise judgments regarding the present and the future, it is also crucial for me as a history student to observe and comprehend the contributions of all groups.

Carter G. Woodson's life and legacy have had a big influence on my life as well as how we see and study history. His work has contributed to highlighting African Americans' accomplishments and ensuring that their history is not overlooked or disregarded. Black History Month is a chance to celebrate and honor the historical accomplishments of black people while also serving as a crucial reminder of the current fight for justice and equality.

How can the Good Trouble Think -Tank driving tool of instructions save lives?

In 2020, the Good Trouble Think - Tank developed a driving tool the size of a business card called “Driver Tips.” This card provides all drivers with instructions on how to comply with law enforcement if pulled over during a traffic stop or incident.

Statistics show that black and brown individuals are more likely to be stopped by the police than their white counterparts, and often, these encounters lead to violence or death.

The driving tool provides instructions on what to do when encountering law enforcement during a traffic stop. It serves as a preventative measure and one that we hope will reduce the number of violent or deadly encounters.

This tool will de-escalate and mitigate any conflict with drivers and law enforcement.

The purpose of this proposed bill is to guarantee safeguards to ensure the safety of the driver and the police during a traffic stop. The proposed bill will reduce confrontational, violent, or fatal encounters during police stops.

The Good Trouble Think-Tank believes this driving tool/tips should be implemented at the local, state, and federal level to change the narrative of policing in our communities. If this proposed legislation is sanctioned, the mandate would every driver receive the driving tool, the motor vehicle administration would require driving schools and driver education facilitators to add this information to their curriculum.