Reclaiming our Story : If you don’t tell your story, someone else will—and they’ll get it wrong.”

Every time I heard that Columbus “discovered” America, something inside me resisted. That phrase feels incomplete, like a puzzle missing half its pieces. The truth is, the story we’ve been told is full of gaps, distortions, and outright erasures. This blog exists because those missing pieces matter. We need to reclaim our story, not just to correct history books but to restore pride, understanding, and connection to the real past.

Antique books with ornate covers displayed in a dimly lit wooden cabinet, reflecting a sense of history and timeless knowledge.

Why the Common Story Doesn’t Add Up

The narrative that Columbus discovered America ignores thousands of years of rich history before 1492. Indigenous peoples thrived across the continents with complex societies, trade networks, and cultures. Yet, history books often start with Columbus as if the land was empty and waiting to be found.

Beyond this, many other stories have been lost or twisted:

• The Moors’ influence in the Americas before European colonization

• The lives of Black cowboys who shaped the American West

• The mystery of missing slave ships and what that says about the transatlantic slave trade

  
  

These are not just footnotes; they are central chapters of American history that deserve attention.

What This Blog Will Explore

This space is for those who want to go beyond the surface. We will:

• Bust myths that have shaped false narratives

• Unearth lost legends and forgotten histories

• Share quick reads with bold facts that challenge what you thought you knew

• Build a community where your questions, stories, and discoveries matter

  
  

We will dig into the past with care, aiming to be as factual as possible. But history is complicated, and many pieces are missing. That’s where you come in. If you have insights, photos, or want us to research a particular event or era, let us know. Together, we can piece together a fuller picture.

The Moors and Their Forgotten Role

The Moors, North African Muslims who ruled parts of Spain for centuries, had a significant impact on the world. Some historians argue their influence extended to the Americas before Columbus. Evidence includes architectural styles, agricultural techniques, and cultural exchanges that hint at early contact.

Understanding this connection challenges the idea that European explorers were the first to bring “civilization” to the New World. It also highlights the global nature of history, where cultures have always interacted in complex ways.

Black Cowboys and the American West

The image of the cowboy is often whitewashed in popular culture. In reality, about one in four cowboys was Black. These men and women played crucial roles in cattle drives, ranching, and shaping the frontier.

Their stories reveal resilience and skill in a harsh environment, often overlooked in textbooks. Recognizing Black cowboys helps correct the narrative and honors their contributions to American history.

The Mystery of Missing Slave Ships

One of the most puzzling aspects of history is the scarcity of physical evidence for many slave ships. While records show millions were transported during the transatlantic slave trade, locating and studying these ships remains difficult.

This absence raises questions about how history has been recorded and preserved. It also points to the need for more research and community involvement to uncover hidden truths.

Weathered shipwreck partially submerged near coastline

How We Can Reclaim Our Story Together

Reclaiming history is not just about facts; it’s about healing and pride. When stories are erased or distorted, it affects identity and community. By uncovering the truth, we build a stronger foundation for future generations.

Here’s how you can join this journey:

• Share family stories or local legends that might not be in books

• Suggest topics or events you want researched

• Provide photos, documents, or artifacts that add to the narrative

• Engage in discussions and spread awareness about overlooked histories

  
  

This blog is a starting point. The real power comes from collective effort.

What to Expect Going Forward

Each week, expect posts that challenge common beliefs and introduce new perspectives. We will cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to overlooked heroes. The goal is to make history accessible, engaging, and truthful.

You will find:

• Myth-busting articles that clarify misconceptions

• Profiles of forgotten figures and communities

• Explorations of cultural influences often ignored

• Opportunities to contribute and learn with others

  
  

Our mission is clear: to fill in the blanks and tell the story as it really happened.

The Power of Telling Your Own Story

The phrase “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will—and they’ll get it wrong” is a call to action. History is not just about dates and events; it’s about people and their experiences. When we let others control the narrative, we lose control over how we see ourselves.

By reclaiming our story, we take back that control. We honor those who came before us and create a truthful legacy for those who will come after.