A Moment of Enlightenment: The Turning Point That Changed My Perspective on American History
Life is full of pivotal moments. For me, it was the arrival of my son and a random book on trivia, which together changed my outlook on the world and, more specifically, the founding of the United States of America.
A New Beginning with the Arrival of My Son
Getting blessed with my son at the age of 41 was undoubtedly the most significant turning point in my life. I was 40 when I got married, and I never anticipated becoming a mother to a child who would shape my understanding of the world. We greeted our baby boy amidst the uncertainty of the 2020 global lockdown. Despite my worries, his arrival blessed our lives with unparalleled joy and purpose. Since then, the world has been new, filled with endless possibilities for him and me. He is not only the most mischievous and hyperactive kid but also a beacon of light, always attracting attention wherever he goes. As his mother, I am proud to share in his journey and happiness.
A Trivia Book That Shed Light on the American Revolution
Another significant turning point in my life arrived at Barnes Noble bookstore in 2008. I was waiting for my young daughter to make a selection in the children's section when I strolled towards the close-out desks. My usual inclination was towards non-fiction books, and I was always eager to learn new facts. I picked up a trivia book, 'Facts You Never Knew,' about the American Revolution. Despite the title, the book's content was not elaborated upon, citing a case known as Sommersett v. Steuart.
Upon arriving home, my curiosity drove me to Google the case. The discovery of this obscure case changed my perspective on the American Revolution and the foundational principles of the United States of America. The case Sommersett v. Steuart was a landmark ruling in the British Court of King's Bench, which questioned the legality of slavery in Britain. The historical significance of this case was profound, but it had not been widely taught or recognized in American history.
My interest in this case quickly turned into an obsession as I delved deeper into the history of the American Revolution. I devour books by authors such as Baldwin, Hurston, Kendi, Gordon-Reed, and Hannah-Jones, and I have never looked back. The historical narrative about the Revolution and the founding of the United States was so much more than what I had been taught in school.
Uncovering Historical Truth and the Suppression of Information
The Sommersett v. Steuart case revealed the previously unspoken truth about the American Revolution. This case became a basis for questioning the legitimacy of slavery, which had profound implications for the foundation of the United States. I was shocked to learn that for so long, millions of Americans had been deceived by false narratives about the Revolution and the founding of the nation. The suppression of this information was deliberate, as the truth was too tragic and dark for many to accept.
My journey to uncover the truth about American history did not stop there. I continued to research and learn from a variety of sources, including online resources and public libraries, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical events and the ideologies that shaped the nation. I encourage others to embark on a similar path, as the world has known about these truths for centuries—let us shed the blind jingoism and ignorant nationalism that have long kept these historical truths hidden.
In conclusion, the arrival of my son and the discovery of the case Sommersett v. Steuart marked significant turning points in my life. They transformed my perspective on the American Revolution and the foundational principles of the United States. These pivotal moments underscore the importance of seeking and spreading the truth, as ignorance and misinformation have long been obstacles to societal progress.