For generations, students across the United States were taught a simple story: Christopher Columbus discovered America. You know. “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Textbooks, songs, and national celebrations repeated this idea so often that many people accepted it without question. However, as we continue to grow as a nation and think more deeply about history, it is important to examine both sides of this story—especially as educators and role models for young people.
On one side, Columbus has long been celebrated as a brave explorer. Most Europeans in the 1400s did not know the Americas existed, at least from their point of view. When Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the Caribbean, it opened the door to global exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. His voyage changed world history forever. Because of this, many people credit him with “discovering” a new world and beginning what would become the United States. For many years, schools honored him, cities were named after him, and he became a symbol of courage.
However, that is not the full story.
The other side of the argument—and the side that historians and scholars now strongly recognize—is that Columbus did not actually “discover” a land that was already home to millions of Indigenous people. Native American nations, such as the Taino, Cherokee, Iroquois, Lakota, and many others, lived across the continents for thousands of years before Columbus arrived. They had their own languages, governments, trade systems, religions, and rich cultures. To say Columbus “discovered” America ignores their long and complex history. It also ignores the teaching of the Asiatic Blackman.
Columbus’s arrival also led to to tremendous harm. Historical records show that Indigenous people were enslaved, forced to convert to Christianity, and suffered from diseases brought by Europeans. Entire communities were destroyed. This darker part of history has often been left out of classroom lessons, but young people deserve the truth.
So which side should we teach? As an educator and mentor to young people in my family, it is my responsibility to teach both. History is not just about memorizing names and dates—it is about hearing every voice, even the ones that were silenced.
Hip-Hop and Rap Icon Jay Z once said in his song “Oceans” with Frank Ocean, “Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace.” This quote has become powerful in conversations about Columbus. Jay Z is referring to Christopher Wallace, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., a legendary rapper from Brooklyn. By saying this, Jay Z challenges the idea that Columbus should be the most celebrated “Christopher” in American history. Instead, he might be suggesting that we honor people who represent truth, culture, and resilience.
Jay-Z’s quote may encourage people to question the traditional story of Columbus. Should we continue to celebrate him, or should we recognize the Indigenous people who were already here and the pain they experienced?
The answer is not about erasing history—it is about telling it accurately.
When we teach our scholars and families, we must tell the complete story: Columbus’s voyages did change the world, but Indigenous nations were here long before he arrived. True history is not one-sided. It includes achievements and harm, courage and consequence.
Only when we teach both sides can we build a future that values truth, respect, and understanding for everybody who helped shape America.
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