Understanding How Our History Shapes Us Today
America’s past is complicated. It’s a story full of both proud achievements and deep mistakes—moments of unity and moments of pain. For a long time, we’ve celebrated the good and sometimes tried to ignore or forget the bad. But the truth is, the things that happened in our history still impact our lives today, whether we notice it or not.
Why Our Past Matters Today
Those who ignore the lesson of the past, will be doomed to repeat it. — George Santayana
Our nation’s history shapes our present in countless ways. Decisions made generations ago affect the neighborhoods we live in, the schools our children attend, and even the jobs we have access to. Issues like racism, economic inequality, and political division didn’t just appear out of nowhere—they have roots that go back decades, even centuries.
When we don’t honestly look at our history, we repeat the same mistakes. Problems fester instead of healing. For example, ignoring the legacy of slavery or the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples doesn’t make those injustices go away. Instead, it keeps old wounds open and prevents us from coming together as a nation.
What Does a Reckoning Mean?
A “reckoning” means truly facing up to what happened in the past—both the good and the bad. It’s about being honest with ourselves and each other. That doesn’t mean blaming people today for the actions of those long gone. It means understanding how those actions set the stage for the world we live in now, and working together to make things better.
A reckoning is also about listening. That means hearing stories and perspectives from people whose voices were left out of the history books. It’s about learning and sometimes feeling uncomfortable, but realizing that is part of growing and healing.
How Does This Affect All of Us?
Every American is touched by our history. Some feel the benefits of past choices—like opportunities handed down through generations. Others carry the weight of those choices—like communities still struggling because of old policies or laws. By recognizing these truths together, we create a fairer society where everyone has a real shot at the American dream.
When we face our past honestly, we can start to fix the problems it has caused. We can build stronger relationships between different groups, create fairer laws, and give everyone a chance to succeed. But this only happens if we’re willing to have tough conversations and take real steps forward.
Moving Forward Together
Coming to terms with America’s past isn’t about tearing each other down—it’s about building something better together. It takes courage, honesty, and a willingness to listen. If we do this work, we can heal old wounds and leave a stronger, more united country for our children.
Now is the time for a reckoning. Not to dwell in guilt, but to find understanding and a way forward. Our shared future depends on our willingness to face our shared past.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 