Going to a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) has shaped my perspective on the world; It increased my desire and value for independent study. As I have grown intellectually throughout my collegiate career, I have discovered the importance of raising questions.

“Why is everything written by Black People about Black History classified by others outside of our race as fiction or its authenticity questioned?”

Questioning the validity according to most academics is due to the lack of writing and reading in black ancestry. However, most academics at universities only teach from the perspective that was taught to them therefore students are never taught to think independently and explore history from another perspective.

 “Until Lions write their own history, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”

                                                                                                                – Anonymous

As the African Diaspora’s history is rich in oral tradition, the black experience is written with limited mention of our value before slavery. Our history has not been taught since in the maxim above, the black people represent the lion. The perspective from Black People has been dependent upon alternative methods of recording historical anthology.  Our grandmothers, great-grandmothers and great-greats carefully used the stitches in a quilt and notes hidden in family bibles to preserve our stories, to protect A Stolen Legacy.

- J. Michael Barconey