Don’t Be A Slave To History, Part 2

(I’m in my first year of high school. My four-year-old sister is in class with me because kindergarten was cancelled for the day. My sister is allowed in class because she is well behaved and quiet. She is also smart and likes reading books. My class is learning about World War 2.)

Teacher: “Can anyone tell me what caused World War 2?”

(One of my classmates puts up her hand.)

Student #1: “It’s because of the slaves, right?”

(My sister lets out a quiet giggle, knowing this is wrong.)

Teacher: “No. Anyone else?”

Student #2: “Wasn’t it because of America?”

(My sister laughs loud enough for the teacher to hear.)

Teacher: “[My Name], why is your sister laughing?”

Sister: “It’s ’cause they’re wrong. World War 2 started in 1939, ’cause France and Britain wanted to fight with the Germans ’cause they invaded ‘Polish!'”

(My sister then goes on to explain the more complex reasons for the war, at the end of her rant, the class is surprised and looks at me.)

Me: “This is a prime example of what you’re able to do when you read and have a great-grandpa who fought in World War 2.”

This story is part of the Black History Month roundup. This is the last story in the roundup, but we have plenty of others you might find interesting.

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Read the next Black History Month roundup.

Read the Black History Month roundup.