Should white people care about the whitewashing of black history? Most people will likely answer yes to this question, if only because it sounds politically correct to do so. What will hopefully become clear is that whites have as much to lose by whitewashing black history as their African American peers. 

David Ikard is a Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University. His research and teaching interests include African American Literature, black feminist criticism, hip-hop culture, black masculinity and whiteness studies. He is the author/co-author of four books, including "Breaking The Silence: Toward a Black Male Feminist Criticism" (2007), "Nation of Cowards: Black Activism in Barack Obama's Post-Racial America" (2012; co-authored with Martell Teasley and winner of the 2013 Best Scholarly Book Award by DISA), "Blinded by the Whites: Why Race Still Matters in 21st-Century America" (2013), and "Lovable Racists, Magical Negroes, and White Messiahs" (2017). His essays have appeared in African American Review, MELUS , Palimpsest,  African and Black Diaspora Journal,  The Journal of Black Studies, and  Obsidian III. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

David Ikard: The dangers of whitewashing black history | David Ikard | TEDxNashville

The dangers of whitewashing black history | David Ikard | TEDxNashville

Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies

Rosa Parks wasn't a tired old lady but a determined activist tired of inequality. This revelation changes our understanding of history.

A child's school project on Rosa Parks leads to a deeper exploration of black history, challenging inaccuracies and stereotypes.

The story of Rosa Parks is a testament to the importance of understanding the true narratives behind social movements for equality.