America needs more education about our roots

To the editor:

In North America from 1600 to the 1800s, escaping African slaves obtained refuge among American Indians, relying on the affinity of oppressed people. But white colonists feared an alliance of red and black peoples and promoted hatred between Indians and Africans by offering bounties to Indians who captured escaping Africans and by trying to convince Indians that Africans were a detestable people.

The bloodlines of Cherokees, Mandingo, Creeks, Fula, Choctaws and Ashanti became mixed as fugitive slaves disappeared into Indian society. The Africans took Indian spouses, produced children of mixed blood and contributed to Afro-Indian transculturalization.

Hatred is still being promoted in this country. Until real history is told and people start embracing the fact that all people of color helped create this country, the American people will remain ignorant to the fact that their very lineage is lined with color. Diversity has helped this country to be strong.

LINDA SCHAEFER

Cape Girardeau