Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Native American Day
Eradicate Columbus Day
October 14, 2024

From the Desk of Kitcki Carroll, Executive Director of USET/USET SPF
A children’s poem about Christopher Columbus, hopefully now rarely taught: “In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He had three ships and left from Spain; He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain. He sailed by night; he sailed by day; He used the stars to find his way. October 12 their dream came true, you never saw a happier crew! Indians! Indians!” Columbus cried; His heart was filled with joyful pride.
But “India” the land was not; it was the Bahamas, and it was hot. The Arakawa natives were very nice; they gave the sailors food and spice. Columbus sailed on to find some gold; to bring back home, as he’d been told. He made the trip again and again, Trading gold to bring to Spain. The first American? No, not quite. But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.”

For greater accuracy to this poem, I offer the following concluding addition:
“He and his men raped and tortured…dismembered and killed; until his boats with gold were filled. So horrible were his actions to support his gains, that he was returned to Spain in iron chains. He was fueled by greed and a disregard for others, so why do we celebrate him, instead of another?”

As it should be with all things, the telling of history should reflect the truth. We must no longer allow the narrative to be a self-serving untruthful revisionist history told by those with the greatest power and influence.

The Ugly Truth About Christopher Columbus
 Initiatives
Books
Articles
Videos
Shop
Resources