Mr. Shetterly, shame on you. You’ve gone too far. Let’s set the record straight, shall we?

Hannah-Jones begins the 1619 Project with Frederick Douglass, he is cited on more than 25 occasions and finally, Hannah-Jones gives Frederick Douglass the last word. In fact, the last paragraph of the 1619 Project belongs, entirely, to Frederick Douglass – and I quote the man:

“As far as this volume can reach that point I have now brought my readers to the end of my story. What may remain of life to me, through what experiences I may pass, what heights I may attain, into what depths I may fall, what good or ill may come to me, or proceed from me in this breathing world where all is change and uncertainty and largely at the mercy of powers over which the individual man has no absolute control; all this, if thought worthy and useful, will probably be told by others when I have passed from the busy stage of life. The story of the master never wanted for narrators. The masters, to tell their story, had at call all the talent and genius that wealth and influence could command. They have had their full day in court. Literature, theology, philosophy, law and learning have come willingly to their service, and, if condemned, they have not been condemned unheard. My part has been to tell the story of the slave.”

Mr. Shetterly, tell me, why an intelligent man, such as yourself, is struggling so hard to sort out our history? Have you read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself from beginning to end? If yes, how old were you?

If given the choice, children will attach themselves to ideals – not slavery, not injustice and certainly not genocide. Failing to teach children history is to chain them to a past they would never choose for themselves. In 10th grade I was given that choice. Reading the Narrative of Frederick Douglas is how I came to discover that I would rather die than return to the past. Were you given that choice? Or was that choice stolen from you?

What Douglass foresaw has come to pass. White people are being denounced, criticized and censored, but they are not being condemned unheard. Because I was given a choice, I accept that condemnation, for I know it is right and just and moral and long overdue.

The schools that failed to teach you history, in all its glory and brutality, denied you that choice.

You are a free man, and you can give yourself teh choice, schools denied you, anytime you please. You do not have to rely on videos and famous quote websites. You can read The Narrative of Frederick Douglass and Hannah-Jones’ book, The 1619 Project from beginning to end. If you had read these two works, you never would have written this essay.

You are, of course, also free to keep making a fool of yourself.