Some say hindsight is 20/20, but what about foresight? The Upward Bound program at Del Tech in Georgetown did just that with exploring the film on the Six Triple Eight on February 8th.

Not sure who the Six Triple Eight are? Don’t feel bad – I did not know either, only to realize, today, April 29th, this group is being recognized, are being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, years after their bravery.

In February, students and myself, as well as others, delved into some amazing questions about this amazing piece of history that I never learned about, EVER, and was the first time I had been exposed to this piece of history.

THAT folks is why programs that delve into pieces of history that have missed so many are necessary to be exposed. How lucky is the program of Upward Bound (UBMS, Classic, and Talent Search) and able to bring such a topic to so many students, and then being now aware, see the connection occur a few months later and able to latch onto this connection? Organizations and groups that are able to inform, enlighten, and educate students where traditional curriculums miss whole sections of history, that impact and influence all races, all aspects of individuals that make up the United States are more important, now more than ever.

Names such as Charity Adams should have surfaced right along the names of Betsy Ross when I was growing up, but it is never too late to dig, not settle for a history that is traditional and go beyond traditional and inquire about the stories that often get buried, but need to resurface. It is exciting to revisit this topic that we encountered and were exposed to in February of this year, It is even more exciting to be historical archaeologists in discovering, publicizing, and representing histories that become new to us, even today. Sometimes the most overlooked moments in history are some of the most important, just waiting for us to discover, examine, and contemplate. To not have the opportunity to discover these actual moments in history that often get overlooked by the more traditional elements of history we have grown up with, is to miss whole histories that define us as Americans.

It is inspiring to know the Trio Program elevates students in higher thinking not just of themselves, and others, but about histories that define us as Americans. In an age where voices of youth are the voices that need to be heard to protect literacy, our histories, our differences, and our heritage, giving youth a place at the table of discovery is essential in defining who we are as Americans.