1776 Unites facts for kids
1776 Unites is a special project started by Robert Woodson. He is a civil rights activist, which means he works to make sure everyone has equal rights. This project aims to bring African Americans together. It teaches important ideas like starting your own business (entrepreneurship), making your own choices (self-determination), and helping each other in the community. They share these ideas through essays on their website.
Robert Woodson began 1776 Unites because of another project called the 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, from the New York Times, suggested that America's true beginning was in 1619. This was when the first enslaved African people arrived. 1776 Unites offers a different view. It highlights the many achievements of African Americans throughout history. It shows how they have contributed a lot to the country. Many smart people, like professors and journalists, write for 1776 Unites. The project also has a free learning program (open-access curriculum) for everyone to use.
What 1776 Unites Teaches
The people who write for 1776 Unites share stories of successful Black communities. They show how these communities have done well, both now and in the past. These stories prove that Black Americans can achieve great things. Their success does not depend on what others do or have done.
1776 Unites also celebrates people they call "Achievers." These are entrepreneurs, people who give money to good causes (philanthropists), and community leaders. They show how African Americans have many chances to succeed today. They also show how much African Americans have added to America's economy and culture. This project wants everyone to see that African Americans have a big part in U.S. life and history.
Robert Woodson started 1776 Unites to respond to the ideas in the 1619 Project. He wanted to show that slavery is not the only story of African Americans in the U.S. 1776 Unites shares the amazing achievements of African American people and communities. This includes those who were once enslaved but still found ways to become successful business leaders after they were freed.
How the Project Started
1776 Unites officially began on February 14, 2020. This happened at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. On the same day, they teamed up with a newspaper called the Washington Examiner. Together, they released essays that talked about the 1619 Project. These essays argued that slavery should not be seen as the only thing that defines the experience of Black people.
In September 2020, 1776 Unites announced a new learning program. This program teaches life lessons from African American heroes from the past. Many of these figures are not well-known. Examples include Elijah McCoy and Biddy Mason. These people overcame tough challenges. They worked hard to gain their freedom and become successful.
