Page 2: Reclaiming Identity Through History

The second page of the Checking out me History poem pdf continues to explore the theme of hidden Black history and the process of reclaiming one's identity. Agard introduces more historical figures, emphasizing their importance and the injustice of their omission from traditional education.

The poet presents Nanny of the Maroons, describing her with vivid, nature-inspired imagery:

Quote: "Nanny de maroon / see-far woman / of mountain dream / fire-woman struggle / hopeful stream / to freedom river"

This description contrasts sharply with the simplistic portrayals of European figures, highlighting the depth and significance of Black historical figures.

Agard continues to juxtapose European and non-European historical events and figures. He mentions Lord Nelson and Waterloo alongside Shaka the great Zulu, and Columbus's 1492 voyage with the fate of the Caribs and Arawaks.

Highlight: The contrast between colonizers and indigenous peoples emphasizes the poem's themes of resistance and freedom.

The poet then introduces Mary Seacole, comparing her to Florence Nightingale:

Definition: Mary Seacole - A Jamaican nurse who provided care for British soldiers during the Crimean War, often overlooked in historical accounts.

Agard describes Seacole's bravery and impact using powerful metaphors:

Quote: "a healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise / to the dying"

The poem concludes with a strong statement of self-determination and identity formation:

Quote: "But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity"

This final declaration emphasizes the Checking Out Me History context of resistance against imposed historical narratives and the importance of self-education in understanding one's cultural heritage.

Page 1: Challenging the Narrative

The first page of the Annotated checking out me history poem pdf introduces the main themes and structure of the poem. Agard begins with the repetitive phrase "Dem tell me," establishing a rhythm that echoes throughout the work. This repetition creates a sense of frustration with the limited historical narrative presented in traditional education.

Highlight: The use of Guyanese dialect in phrases like "Dem tell me" immediately sets the tone for the poem's exploration of cultural identity.

The poet employs powerful metaphors to illustrate the suppression of his own history. He writes, "Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to my own identity," suggesting that the education system deliberately obscures his cultural heritage.

Quote: "Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to my own identity"

Agard then contrasts well-known European historical events and figures with lesser-known Black historical figures. He mentions "1066 and all dat" alongside Toussaint L'Ouverture, a leader of the Haitian Revolution.

Example: The juxtaposition of Dick Whittington's cat with Toussaint L'Ouverture highlights the trivialization of important Black historical figures in traditional education.

The poem's structure uses short lines and a simple rhyme scheme to emphasize the contrast between the childlike nursery rhymes of European history and the more serious, impactful history of Black figures.

Vocabulary: L'Ouverture - A leader of the Haitian Revolution who helped establish Haiti as the first Black republic.