African American US History on Display: by Mayme & Avery Clayton

When I look at students, sometimes I see the whole family, their recent history or even the long line of ancestors that lead up to that student there today.   I wonder who in the line of relatives before them had sacrificed in order to give to the following generations … which leads to where that student is today.   Is this what the ancestors hoped for?  Would they be suprised or elated.

History of family lines can be lost surprisingly quickly.  Teachers are sometimes where the rubber meets the road in guiding even a small part of that student’s future. 

At Huntington Library through Feb 8: African American US History

For all students today, there is an important collection being shown in Culver City that highlights an often overlooked U.S. history of African Americans.  Mayme Clayton and her son Avery have amassed perhaps the largest collection of  African American history artifacts.  These will be housed in a permanent exhibit in Culver City, but can be previewed now at the Huntington Library through Februrary 8, 2010. 

This history is on the verge of being forgotten, partially because it brings up strong feelings in people of all races including anger, shame, guilt and more.  Still, it’s valuable and great to look at.  It is an especially good exercise to help students learn to appreciate where they are, what they do have, and where they can go.

“Central Avenue and Beyond: The Harlem Renaissance in Los Angeles”

through February 8, 2010 at the Huntington Library

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA

626-405-2100

http://www.huntington.org