Shaping the Past: How Archivists Influence History
Lely Venus [Photograph © May 2018 by Martin,Daisy]
THE PURPOSE OF ARCHIVISTS..
Archivists aim to preserve, organize, and provide access to historical records, ensuring that valuable documents, artifacts, and digital materials remain available for future generations. The Reading “Bibliophiles, Activists, and Race Men.” states, “Black bibliophiles run through our history like an unseen hand. Their influence is present in many of the major developments of our historical experience, even when a superficial glance does not immediately bring to light their presence.” (Elinor Des Verney Sinnette W.Paul Coates Thomas C.Battle) Though archivists aren’t widely recognized, their work uplifts countless individuals by preserving and revealing historical truths.
CHARLES BLOCKSON
How Archivists Influence History
Archivists are essential in shaping how history is preserved, accessed, and understood. Some of the ways their work impacts history are by organizing and cataloging, digitization and online access, and, of course, public engagement. The reading of black bibliophiles and collectors talks about how the black activists collected books to fight against racist ideas that claimed black people were inferior. They wanted to reconnect African Americans with their roots and see their history as part of a bigger global story. The reading states, “They exemplify the ability of black people to follow black leadership. They exemplify the ability of our intellectuals to be socially responsible and to work for the benefit not only of themselves but for the rehabilitation of our past and for the hope of future generations.” (ELINOR DES VERNEY SINNETTE W. PAUL COATES THOMAS C. BATTLE,1990,24). Through this, archivists fight to bring light to unknown history. Without archivists, we as a society would not have the knowledge we have now about our history. Archivists are a part of history core. Without them, we would be off course.
CREDITS
Elinor Des Verney Sinnette W.Paul Coates Thomas C.Battle, “Bibliophiles, Activists, and Race Men”( Howard University Press,1990),23-34