Meramec Professor Trevin Jones weighs in on the importance of unsung heroes
BY : Briana Heaney
Staff Writer
February first marks the start of Black History Month, in which America will observe, with special recognition, the historical achievements of
African Americans.
Meramec African American history professor Trevin Jones encourages Americans to not just celebrate the achievements of a few black citizens but to take time to recognize all of the people involved, those in the spotlight and those in the shadows alike.
“A lot of times during this month we talk about the king,” Jones said. “But what isn’t often talked about is those other unsung heroes who are also a part of civil rights movements. People who also helped move the nation forward in terms of race and in terms of politics…What I love about teaching African American history is to be able to bring these other individuals into light and show just how important they were.”
Jones said he encourages others to expand their narrative of blacks in American history. Jones mentioned one of his favorites: Fanny Lou Hammer from Mississippi, who played an integral role in the fight for the vote and women’s rights and coined the phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired!”
“I’m still just fascinated by her story and how her life made such a big difference,”
said Jones.
Another historical figure Jones finds highly inspirational is author Booker T. Washington, best known for his biography, “Up from Slavery.”
“I remember reading his biography as an undergrad student and really just being inspired by his drive to succeed in a time when African Americans were still fighting against segregation and…so much adversity and oppression. Yet, he was able to, along with many others, of course, achieve this amount of success that allowed him to help other African Americans
as well.”
Jones said he’s a firm believer that nothing significant is accomplished alone and that it’s important that we recognize the broad and boundless impact of unsung African Americans in this country. Doing so, said Jones, should help bring people of all backgrounds together.
“When we celebrate the individual, we usually only celebrate that person. Yet we have to know that they were not islands doing those things–that there were…so many people supporting and working alongside of them. I’m just so inspired by all of it,” said Jones.
Meramec will feature several Black History Month events this February including an entrepreneur and business showcase, a live presentation of “Letters to Harriet Tubman” by Paul Morse and a discovery showcase, which will exhibit contributions of African American inventors in numerous areas such as science, transportation and music.
According to Jones, all people want to be able to sleep in the peace and shelter of their homes, have the resources to provide for their families, healthy work environments, safety and security for the futures of themselves and their children.
Once we as humans can see the humanity in our fellow man, said Jones, we can move beyond dividing factors such as race and become a more unified society.
“To me these things go beyond the color of my skin.” said Jones. “I’m a firm believer that if I can see you—if I can see your humanity—then we can probably get along pretty well and respect each other.”
