Meet AHUS Ambassador and Black Historian, Lettie Elizabeth
By Kahlil Haywood
Lettie Elizabeth’s life’s work has been all about her love for this world and black culture. She is AHUS’ newest and first ambassador. With her, Lettie brings a bevy of experiences, and knowledge about Black history in the US, and the world at large. Her passion and zeal make a seamless fit for what we do here at AHUS. Check out our conversation with AHUS ambassador and this month’s special book club guest, Lettie Elizabeth.
It's such a pleasure to speak with you Lettie, what excites you about this initiative in becoming an AHUS Ambassador?
LE: Well, first, I have to say that I'm excited because I really appreciate the honesty and intentionality behind this brand. It also centers Black and brown voices and that's also extremely important. We have to make people uncomfortable. I really appreciate how AHUS challenges readers. There can be no progress made in this world without that.
Your work as an educator and historian is well documented. When can you remember first becoming passionate about history and educating?
LE: I would say I actually hated history growing up. I couldn't understand the excitement about learning about old white men. But in community college, everything changed. I had a history professor there that really opened my eyes. I read Buried in the Bitter Waters: The Hidden History of Racial Cleansing in Americaby Eliiot G. Jaspin. This book opened my eyes to many of the atrocities levied by white people against black people. It awoke an undeniable passion within me. It made me delve into American and black history even more. I end up getting a bachelor's and master’s degree in history as a result of that newfound passion. The challenges to attain that were all worth it. I really just wanted to tell the truth through my work.
Do you believe that this current climate contains the greatest amount of people that are interested in the truth about our history, particularly in this country?
LE: Sometimes I think yes, I think in recent times, social media has played a role with the newfound intrigue about racism and white supremacy. We still have such a heck of a long way to go. I've seen firsthand via my own works via patreon and otherwise, and know that things are changing. People are speaking up more. I take this newfound vigor as a win. We need to be passionate about social justice. Movements take time, and nothing happens overnight. No matter how we're conditioned by social media, we have to commit to the process. I'm glad that they're listening, reading, and checking out podcasts too. But we still have to commit ourselves at deeper levels beyond just understanding our plight.
As someone who takes in so much news and history, much of it can be dark and heavy, what outlets do you give yourself to just unplug and get back to other parts of you?
LE: That's a great question actually, because I'm still learning how to do that. Through my studies, especially during my first master’s in history, there was so much reading that was necessary. This was especially the case with black history, which can be very dark. Even now, I have to recognize when I'm tired. Some days I'm tired because my mind is fatigued. I have to continue giving myself grace. I have to unlearn the idea of having to constantly be productive. This past year has forced me to face this head-on. Disengaging has helped me a bunch as well. I have to know when something is just too much.for me. Therapy has helped me recognize these things throughout this journey too.
What do you enjoy most about having your own podcast "History Shows Us?"
LE: I love talking about history and racial justice. I love that people can hear my voice. It's a totally different experience when people can hear my voice. People can hear my inflections, and my emotions; I want my voice to resonate with listeners…
Follow Lettie’s journey and her works on Instagram at @sincerely.lettie and @historyshowsus
